I was Blind, but Now I See

A Lens Implant

The former blind man who had been healed by Jesus famously stated, “I was blind, but now I see” (John 9:25).

I have not gone through quite as radical of change, but one that is pretty radical with my own vision.  I have had poor eyesight all of my life.  I started out wearing thick glasses in elementary school.  I then graduated soon to contact lenses through High School until now.  I was extremely near-sighted.  If you know much about contact prescriptions mine ranged from -10.00 to -11.00.  Which is pretty severe.  Overall this was not much of a problem for most of my years as the contacts took care of the problem.

But as I approached 40, which is happening in a month, it has become more difficult for them to get the prescription accurate to cover both far and near.  I was not seeing good for distance and not able to see good up close for reading either.  Thanks to our Health Savings Account and funds that are set aside in the account through my work as a part of our insurance coverage vision surgery became an option.

I talked to my optometrist and was referred to a specialists.  They recommended clear lens replacement surgery, or cataract surgery without cataracts!  They said for my severe condition and age laser lasic surgery was not a good option.  The clear lens surgery involves taking out the old lens and replacing it with a multi-focal lens.  Conceivably this should take care of my vision for the rest of my life.  I may need to use reading glasses or have some mild correction later, but I will never have cataracts and should have good vision throughout my life.  I had to get the surgeries one eye at a time.  I recently completed the second eye and am enjoying the benefits.

I see much clearer than with my contacts.  The world is crisper and brighter.  My near vision for reading is not what I want it to be yet.  My understanding is that it takes some time for it to adjust and will continue to improve for several months.  I can read, but it is not clear and sharp.  But, it is so nice being able to see well all the time.  I especially like having good vision through the night and not having to worry with contacts drying out when I am tired, or being washed out when I am swimming.

I am writing this post in the hope that others who have a similar struggle and are considering their options can read a personal testimony about clear lens extraction.  The surgery itself was very easy.  The restrictions for a couple of weeks following each surgery are somewhat life altering, but very doable.  I have experienced some flickering as is common in the first few months as your eye is catching the side of the new lens.

I would like to express appreciation to my wife Amanda in encouraging me to have the surgery and supporting us spending the money on it.  I am also grateful for all who have prayed for me during the process, as the 7 Oaks family has been so good in their concern and interest in my vision.

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