Through my eyes, the world looks like an impressionist’s painting — a wee bit hazy, softly blurry, and with a distinctly dreamy aura. Now, I quite admire the art created by the impressionists, most especially Claude Monet’s “Woman with a Parasol”. It depicts the artist’s wife, Camille, holding a green parasol, standing atop a hill, the wind blowing her skirts, and with their son, Jean, just visible behind her. It’s lovely! But that ever so slightly out-of-focus look is not at all what I strive for with my photography, and for a long time now, I’ve been struggling to achieve tack-sharp focus. Indeed that is now impossible without resorting to the dreaded auto-focus setting. No self-respecting photographer — amateur or professional — uses automated settings. A compromise that, to me, feels like abject failure!
Time to visit my friendly, local Optometrist, then…
At my appointment (4th September), I was told that, since my last examination, I’ve developed cataracts (both eyes) — bad enough that he’d like them removed by the end of October, latest. Hmmm…. I was skeptical because everyone I know who has had cataract surgery, saw their Ophthalmologist and was told to come back in a year/2 years because they weren’t yet ready for surgery. My Optometrist set up a consult for me with a really great young lad in Windsor and (7th October) I dutifully toddled off to meet him and hear his opinion. He agreed with my Optometrist’s assessment and whilst in the office that day, arrangements were made for the type of lenses I’d require, dates for the two surgeries (right eye – 24th October, left eye – 31st October), consent forms were signed, payment made, prescriptions dolled out and, in no time at all, we were on the road home again, me sitting in absolute, stunned silence. Cataract surgery is for the elderlies, isn’t it?
I’m. Not. Elderly.
Geriatric or not, I am extremely fortunate that my issue was so quickly detected, that the surgery will happen promptly, that I had a choice of implants at different price points, and that we are able to afford the most appropriate for me — Refractive Extended Depth-of-Focus Lenses, and yes, I am well-aware that not everyone is as lucky as me. Mostly, I am happily anticipating the privilege and joy of being able to see the world clearly again, and to resume photography, completely without automated settings! Also without glasses — just imagine being able to put my eye right up against the viewfinder! What an extraordinary gift this will be!
Preparations for this Friday’s surgery have begun: I instilled the first dose of pre-surgical eyedrops today and I’m donning my mental battle-sark (I’m the world’s biggest coward where anything medical is concerned).
Most of us take our healthy eyes for granted. We rely on our eyes for nearly everything we do but seldom afford them a second thought. Not until something goes wrong, that is, and I am guilty of just such a presumption. Stay tuned for an update after Friday’s surgery.
‘Though I inadvertently learned to live with impressionistic vision, I am heartily relieved, and sincerely grateful that, very soon, I will be able to see my world in sharp focus again.
’Til next time, y’all…
Enchanting Essex 
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