I’m feeling bummed.
I have assumed that I would undergo some sort of vision-correcting surgery since I first started feeling the impact of my superbly-crappy vision in high school.
It was supposed to happen six years ago.
And then the divorce happened instead.
And so I’ve been patient.
Every time I’ve shelled out $500 for custom-made contacts, I would tell myself that maybe this would be the last time.
When I failed the mask-clearing exercise to try to obtain my SCUBA certification, I promised myself that I would try again once I wasn’t afraid of my contacts washing out.
Every time I’ve felt my stomach drop when I can’t locate my glasses upon waking, I’ve found comfort in the idea that at some point I would no longer be dependent upon my lenses to function.
I thought the only thing standing between me and my new eyes was my lack of money and my crummy credit.
And now that those have improved, I scheduled a consultation for today.
I never imagined that I would face disappointment.
I’m not eligible.
Not because of my bank account.
Or my credit score.
But because of my prescription.
There’s simply not enough real estate on my eyes to be able to reshape them as much as they require.
It was a shock. I knew my eyes were bad. But I didn’t know they were that bad. And even though this discovery helps me communicate my vision difficulties to others (I think my mom is finally getting it and my husband better not tease me anymore about struggling to hit the target at the shooting range), I’d rather fall within the range of fixable.
Because it’s hard hearing a doctor say that there’s nothing they can do. Even when it’s nothing life-threatening.
Feeling bummed and blind.
Frustrated.
And disappointed.
And oh-so-thankful that I live in a time of custom-made toric lenses that at least allow me to drive and read and function.
Even if I have to accept that I’ll never be a SCUBA diving, sharpshooting pilot.
Bummer about the closed door but, YAY for contacts and not being blind.
I’m sorry. Have you tried SCUBA with prescription masks? I’m not sure what the requirements are for passing the mask clearing requirement, but I do know that prescription masks exist.
Sending many many positive thoughts your way!
That may happen if I decide it’s worth the money. For now, sticking with the basics – contacts and glasses for around the house. Thanks!
My dad had contacts permanently implanted under his lens. It was not a big surgery and he has had awesome vision since then! Is that something you would be eligible for?
Not that particular one, but lens replacement. Just have to wait for cataracts to get some insurance help!
Glad to hear that procedure worked well for your dad:)
I had LASIK when I was 35 and they warned me that corneas are living tissue, subject to changing with age. They weren’t kidding — my eyes were back to pre-surgery sight within 8 years. Wasn’t worth the money. Sometimes what seems like a great idea…isn’t. 🙁
Ugh. That stinks!
I think you can order prescription googles/mask. Of course I’m certain it would be expensive. I feel your pain because I now have to use a hybrid contact that is a combination of a hard and soft lens. At $250 per lens I panic every time I drop one.
Ouch! I am hereby forbidden from complaining about my $500 for 6 months of contacts!
Don’t give up on the scuba diving just yet! You can get scuba masks with your prescription built-in for less than the cost of your contact lenses (and they work exactly like a normal mask does). You’ll never have to worry about your contacts getting washed away!
Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind for sure:)
I’ve always worn glasses. The idea of surgeons near my eyes completely freaks me out.
Me too but the fear of surgery is less than the utter helplessness I feel when a contact tears or I can’t find my glasses upon waking in an unfamiliar room. On the flip side, I visited an exhibit with a friend where you had to navigate different environments in the dark to simulate being blind. He panicked. I excelled. 🙂