20/20Been awhile since I've been to the eye doctor. In fact, been so long I could no longer remember the name of the doctor that had examined my eyes, or just how long it had been, but it's been at least five years. Or. Ten.
Red veins started appearing on my eyeballs over a year ago, and finally vanity alone forced me to schedule an appointment to have them checked out. Of course with the phone phobia and all, I was limited by which doctors I could see in the Portland area, namely those that had an on-line scheduling option.
So, I pretty much got on Google and finally found an eye clinic nearby, one with a million doctors, and me with no preference other than which one could see me the soonest to assure me I wasn't going blind.
Got there and boy, have things changed since the last time I had my eyes examined, so much high tech equipment. I was eye-dropped, tested for glaucoma, had my field of vision tested, and a bunch of other things I wasn't following.
My right eye passed with flying colors, the left one? Not so much. The young doctor, approximately 1/2 my age says with his face 3 inches from mine, "You have amblyopia, 'lazy eye,' undiagnosed. This is my specialty. You also have cataracts on this eye. Also my specialty. Very unusual for someone your age, but we'll get your vision improved in that eye, don't you worry."
He then went on to suggest a test that clinic didn't have, so I'll be joining him at his other office in a couple weeks to have a P.A.M. test, whatever that is. Then we'll know if I'm "looking" at surgery. Didn't feel too bad that I didn't know what that test was, as neither did the assistant, the receptionist, nor the other eye doctor that walked by as we were discussing it.
Couldn't help but have "No accidents" run constantly through my head as I marveled at how my phone phobia landed me with the one guy whose specialty is just what I've got.
Oh, and the ugly red veins that brought me there? Just ugly red veins. Nothing wrong, nothing you can do about them. They're the result of UV damage. Ironic, as I've lived my entire life in NW Oregon, where the UV rays have to be amongst the lowest on the planet.
12 comments:
I still can't get over your phone phobia. You are so outgoing!
Anyway, glad you are taking care of yourself. Vision is a good thing.
Love.
vision, yes
your eyes might be failing you for the moment, but your vision is clearer than anyone i know
Ok, the metaphor of VISION and SEEING is not lost on me.
I'm that sharp.
Take care of that body.
We love it.
Interesting! And it makes me happy I am addicted to sun-glasses, no matter the weather...(vision in nice, looking good is great.lol)
;)
Thanks for the reminder - I just realized that I have not had my eyes checked since Aidan was a BABY - and he turns 13 in 6 weeks. I'm putting 'eye exam' on my list!
I kept thinking about yesterday's post as I was reading this. Even the things we see as weakness can get us exactly where we need to be.
You're making me think I should make an appointment - haven't been to an eye doc since I worked for one - in high school. My 40 year reunion is in July.
First let me say that one of the reasons I love your blog is because of your ability to SEE things and your way of linking things together. I hate to rain on this parade. However, this time, as you had "no accidents" running through YOUR head, "too convenient" was running through mine. Especially when the other doctor hadn't heard of that particular test. I mean, if you had mentioned wanting ocean front property in Arizona, would that have been his specialty too?
All I'm saying is that I keep hearing, "if it's too good to be true, It just might be.." Please be thorough in your research about this test and doctor. That's all.
Much love and light.
-M
ps. this is what I found: http://www.stlukeseye.com/eyeq/PAM.asp
I'm glad you are attending to your vision. I have worn glasses since I was in fourth grade. I am very sensitive to any fluctuations in my sight.
Anonymous M makes some good points. But you are the consummate researcher and St. Google will protect you, I am sure.
Have I told you lately that I love you?
Phone phobia and all.
I have the phone phobia thing too. I would ALWAYS rather schedule something online.
And those red veins got you to the doctor, so they're a good thing.
Glad you met the specialist. That's an awesome thing.
Well, I guess you're on the right track and, apparently, despite living in the NW, your eyes have been spending a lot of time looking up at the sun. Doesn't surprise me...
Oh my gosh!!! thats terrible, but really GOOD that you're catching this early on, right? i have those same eye veins. Im bummed theres nothing I can do about them. I've never worn sunglasses my whole life and was a sunworshipper. thats what i get.
I hope everything works out w/ your eyes. keep us posted!
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