It has been
too long since my last post. I stopped
creating last spring because my eyesight was getting worse, I was losing
details and some of the colors were getting muddy. I could see well enough, but the small
details were fading, especially black on black.
With that problem, I stopped working on Finn because he had some dark
colors; I stopped my art quilting altogether.
I went for
my yearly eye appointment in September.
To my surprise, my eye doctor said my cataracts are at a point where
she could make a case with the insurance company to have them removed. As a part of
our discussion, we talked about how my cataracts were not as bad as most
of her patients when they get them removed.
She stated artistic people are bothered more by cataracts than the
general population. As you know, we are
very in tuned to colors and details; the cataracts were robbing me of both. I wasn't sure of either anymore. Also, I had the famous halos which hindered
the night driving. I had a major
concern, my age, I thought I was rather young to have my cataracts
removed. Again, she said it was because
I was more aware of the effects of the cataracts than most people. My eye doctor outlined my options for the
replacement lens I could choose. I
wanted the bifocal lens that would eliminate the need for glasses. I said I didn't care how much they
cost. Yes, they do cost quite a bit and
insurance would not cover any of the cost.
She listened to my choice and then proceeded with her recommendation for
me. She recommended targeting my
nearsighted vision. Basically keeping me
with my same vision and correcting it with glasses. Her reasoning was because of my art
work. Yes, she considers art quilting
art work! She really took the time with
her explanation. She explained that
whichever option I chose, there would be some compromises with my vision. Further, she explained through her research
and experience with other patients, she thought I would be most happy with this
option. It would give me optimal visual
acuity for close up work. I listened,
but didn't really hear what she had to say, because I was in shock we were
really having this conversation. Well, I
told her back in September, I would get it taken care of in January. I had Christmas gifts and projects I wanted
to complete. I won't lie, I have been
very scared these last several months, these were my eyes. I knew it had to be done. Everyone kept telling me it was one of the
easiest, safest surgeries, but it was still nerve racking. Every time, I thought about it a tear came
to my eye. Silly, I know, but reality.
In the
following weeks, I talked to many people and even strangers, when I heard them
mentioning cataracts. This was a major
life changing surgery that would forever affect the way I see. I loved the idea of not wearing glasses ever
again, but and the big but, was my art quilting. After speaking with several people, I learned
I was fortunate to have a doctor who presented and explained the different
options. In addition, I am lucky she
took the time to know and understand how important my art quilting was to
me. I spoke to a member of my quilting guild who recently had cataract
surgery. She claimed she had no idea
there were so many options. Her doctor
corrected her vision for farsightedness, now she has to wear reading glasses
and carry sunglasses. She feels she
doesn't see her close up work as well as she would like to see. Unfortunately, hers is not the only story of
not knowing the options. Most people I
talked to had their eyes corrected for farsightedness even if they had been
nearsighted. As in my case, they liked
the idea of not having to wear glasses to drive, etc. Now, they have some regrets because they have
to carry around reading glasses and sunglasses.
I did hear one story that confirmed my doctor's research of implanting lens for targeting seeing details
in close up work; an artist. I still
pondered my options for weeks. Another
appointment was made with my doctor, this time dragging my husband along, to
talk about the surgery and options again.
January 18th
rolled around and the cataract in my right eye was removed. A new lens was implanted correcting my
vision for doing close up work. It has
been one and a half weeks and I have no regrets. After my second appointment since my surgery, I can see very fine details close up. My close-up vision is sharp and clear. I can see details and colors like I haven't
seen in quite a while. I am driving my
husband nuts because I am constantly looking at objects and pictures holding
one hand over my right eye and then my left eye comparing the two. It is truly amazing the difference. Unlike my right eye, I am ready for the
surgery on the left eye. I am ready for
the healing process to begin and end. I
am chomping at the bit to get back to my art quilting. Also, I am anxious to see one piece of
work. I remember thinking the colors of
the trees were just too dark, and I used inktense pencils to lighten and
brighten the colors. Now, I wonder
without the cataracts how the colors look.
I don't mind the thought of wearing glasses after the surgeries because
that is what I know. Many family members
and friends do not understand my lens choice, but they are not quilt
artists. Also, I should mention I was nearsighted before the sugery, therefore this was not a radical change in vision for me. There are many factors to consider when selecting the option that is best for you. My only advice is make sure you
find a surgeon who understands your lifestyle and explains all of your
options. Thank you, Dr. Melanie Sobel.
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