I Once Was Blind

I have officially joined the ranks of glasses wearers. I have noticed myself squinting at signs and screens and things not-too-far-away that just seemed blury. So, especially in light of my new industry, I decided to get that regular eye exam a couple of months early.

My eyes are healthy, but I have developed a hint of an astigmatism. That means that when I look at things, my vertical and horizontal focal points don't match up quite in the center of my eye, and the farther away something is the wider apart those points get. Hence the difficulty reading signs running through the airport and while driving at night.

Ho. Ly. Cow. I had no idea how much I couldn't see! It's been less than 2 years since my last exam, but the changes that have developed are pretty dramatic. Dr. Adler fit me with a new prescription, and I can see things I never knew I couldn't see! It's not as dramatic a transformation as some friends I know, who talk about getting glasses when they were younger and realizing that trees have several individual leaves instead of one big connected mass. But now I can read the score on the bottom of the tv screen from all the way in the kitchen - without squinting or wondering what my husband is going on about! Lights outside at night don't have weird halos anymore, they are crystal clear. Also, I can read what's on tap without having to cross the room and stare at the draught labels up close. It's amazing!

In all seriousness, when was the last time you visited your local OD? I am a huge proponent of preventative health care and generally don't mess around with regular check-ups. But to have noticed such a big change in less than two years really surprised me. I highly encourage you to stop procrastinating and schedule an exam!

As a soap box side note, the past six months have taught me that there is a huge difference between the quality of care you receive in a franchised retail outlet and a professional independent ECP's office. I know I am biased because I work with these doctors every day, but please - for the sake of your eye health - DON'T WASTE MONEY AT A LENS CRAFTER'S, PEARLE VISION, OR AN OPTICAL OFFICE IN THE CORNER OF A BIG BOX STORE. Find a local eye doctor who is a part of the community, has quality equipment and a personal interest in making sure your eyes are healthy. They might be a bit more expensive because they have higher overhead costs, but the end result will be a relationship with somebody who cares about the continued support of your vision, and savings long-term because they provide and support quality care and eyewear that is sustainable.

Trust me, it is well worth the investment!