Laser Eye Surgery - Back To Wearing Eyeglasses Ten Years Later

I missed my annual eye exam this past June. It was simply a matter of me not getting around to scheduling myself an appointment. A few weeks ago, after experiencing some vision blurriness and associated eye strain, I picked up the phone and arranged a visit to the eye clinic. This past July marked ten years since having laser eye surgery after researching various alternatives to wearing eyeglasses. At that time, I documented my experience online - On-Sight PRK Diary - the procedure was completely successful. I was able to toss out my prescription eyeglasses to correct my nearsightedness (-6.00 in both eyes). One year after the procedure my eyes tested 20/20, remarkable!

Well, ten years later, I'm reporting that I'm now back to wearing eyeglasses. This blog entry is serving as an update to my PRK experience.

I knew going into the procedure that I would eventually need to depend on glasses for reading. This was actually one of the reasons I decided to have the procedure done. I didn't want to adjust to wearing bifocals. I've been wearing glasses for reading for approximately four years now. Not a big problem. But, what I didn't figure on was that both my eyes might not progress into the land of far-sightedness equally.

The results of my eye exam was that there had been a slight change in my left eye, but in the past year my right eye has dramatically changed. It has progressed at a faster rate, needing a stronger prescription. This is not a huge problem, but it did mean that I could no longer get by using the "cheater" magnifying glasses that are available in department stores. My eyes were fighting each other because of their special individual needs, competing for different strengths of magnifications. The correction for my left eye is +.50 and for my right eye, +1.25.

Although I am still not dependent on glasses for near-sightedness, my depth perception is wonky and my perfect vision has dimmed somewhat. Because of this and the need for far-sight correction I opted for a pair of progressive lenses that I have been wearing most of the day for the past week. No longer am I reaching for the "cheaters" in order to see the computer monitor, read the soup can labels or review the menu at a dimly lit restaurant. I can still drive the car, watch a movie, and participate in many other activities without wearing my new glasses if I choose to. But, so far, I find myself putting them on first thing in the morning and leaving them on throughout most of the day. The lenses and frames I chose are very lightweight and really comfortable to wear.

I'm finding it to be joyful wearing my new glasses. The experience reminds me of the day I got my first pair of glasses when I was in grade school. I was so excited to be able to stand in the middle of our backyard and be able to see the bright red tulips in bloom that Mom had planted along the foundation of our house.

When I told my husband about remembering the joy of having my very first pair of glasses he asked me "Tell me agin, why did you decide to have the eye surgery in the first place? I thought you said that you wouldn't have to wear glasses ever again." Sigh, I took my glasses off my face and looked at him. "Dear, I'm not wearing glasses now because I have too - I'm wearing them now because I WANT too. The glasses are enhancing my sight, I am seeing clearer now." I attemped to explain to him that the advantages of having the PRK surgery ten years ago are still in play. Without the use of my new eyeglasses I still have my distance sight. I can swim in the ocean and still be able to see who is sunning themselves on the beach. I can see the clock across the room in the middle of the night to find out what time it is without reaching for my glasses. I don't have to ask someone else to help me find my glasses when I have misplaced because I can see well enough to search for them myself, no more gropping on top of dressers and table tops. And yes, I can see the tulips growing in the garden from several yards away. He gets it now. I am loving my new glasses and the clearer and sharper sight they give me, AND, I am also happy that I had the PRK done ten years ago. It's all good.

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