In a past post, I told you ”He” went to the eye doctor and had an evaluation for Lasik surgery. During that visit, He was told that He is not a candidate for that particular vision improvement technique. So, recently, He decided He would consider an alternative surgery known as a Clear Lens Implant in which the natural lens of the eye is removed and a synthetic lens is put in its place. However, after an extensive (and expensive) evaluation for that procedure, it turns out that he is not an ideal candidate for that one, either. The cost is somewhat prohibitive, and the results are not totally predictable. There would be some chance He would still have a need for glasses. So, after much consideration, He has decided against surgery of any kind.
However, He has decided to explore the last option available to him… Contact Lenses. During his routine vision exam, his Ophthalmologist suggested He try Toric lenses, which are available in his prescription and do correct for astigmatism. He has been resistant to the idea of contact lenses because of the extreme sensitivity of his eyes, but with the encouragement of the physician (and of “She”), He eventually relented.
The fitting of the lenses was quite an experience. Of course, I wasn’t there to see it, but She said it took two technicians almost an hour to get one contact lens in his eye. One of them said He had the strongest eyelid muscles she had ever seen! Every time they would come at him, his eyes would just snap shut! He was trying to cooperate and hold them open, but it was a reflexive movement! Finally, they managed to get one lens in, and by that time, his eye was red and irritated. However, He was encouraged at how well He could see. The second lens, while it took several attempts, was much easier to put in place. She said the best part was when He looked in the mirror for the first time. He has worn glasses since He was seventeen months old, and had never actually seen himself without glasses. She thought it was a very profound moment!
The very best thing about the contacts is that He can wear sunglasses with them. He has never owned a pair of sunglasses. The only kind He’s ever had are the ill-fitting type that clip or attach with magnets to eyeglasses. Now, He can look cool in sporty shades.
He is still working on inserting the contacts, and hopefully with practice, He will become comfortable with the act. He already thinks the benefits of wearing them outweigh the terror of putting them in. So, if he can keep in close contact with that feeling, I just know he can overcome the challenge of inserting the lenses!
Barny
