Two days ago, on Tuesday, I had cataract surgery on both eyes. I am still in the adjustment and healing period, which includes resting my eyes, restricting certain activities, and taking special medication (eyedrops).

I had not been much aware of a cataract developing in my left eye because my right eye had gotten so bad and blurry, but the last time it was checked, my optometrist told me the left was also bad. Most everyone I have talked with said they had one eye done, and then the other eye done in a few weeks or a month later. My ophthalmologist said he’s done several people getting both eyes done the same day. I told him I live alone and I was concerned about being able to heal properly with having both eyes done the same time, and he told me I would be fine.

I have always done things in a “do it all now” fashion. I had all four wisdom teeth removed the same day. I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands/wrists the same day. I had bilateral inguinal hernias done the same day — and then had to repeat it both sides a month later. So, it wasn’t unusual for me to consider having both eyes done. This was taken just after I got home from the surgery. I look a bit of a mess, eh?

So now it’s been 2 days, I only have to wear the shields at night for 5 more nights (7 nights total), and then follow a diminishing schedule for the eyedrops.

I have worn glasses since 7th grade, when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I should have had glasses 3 years earlier, in 4th Grade, but my mother didn’t believe the school when they said I could not see. It was the 7th Grade when the Electric Shop teacher said he would have me expelled if I didn’t get glasses, and then my parents got serious about it. They got me a pair of glasses finally; just one pair. And my next pair of glasses was when I hit Air Force Basic Training. They were ugly, dark-rimmed glasses, but the difference in corrected vision was astounding.

(On a side note, I also never saw a dentist until I got my duty station in Athens, Greece. My parents never took me to a dentist, ever.)

It is interesting to be noticing things round the house I haven’t really noticed before — cobwebs in the corners of the ceiling, parts of the floor that need vacuumed or swept. Since I was told not to bend over or lift more than 10 pounds for 7-10 days, I’m not going to be working, but I might be spending time sprucing up the place more than I have been. I’ve never been the most fastidious housekeeper, but suddenly noticing things better now might change that.

It is only the second day since the surgery, and I am supposed to be resting my eyes. I have until early January before I see the doctor again to see about new glasses or whatever. I will be able to work after next weekend. I have some new generic reading glasses arriving on Saturday which should help in the meantime.