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1. May 15, 2019 Doctor Visit: 2. Until that time I will continue to see a blurry world. The eye contains two lenses the cornea is the main lens and does about two-thirds of the focusing power. A second lens exists behind the cornea and it handles the remaining third. I do not now have that second lens. Most of you have had or are familiar with cataract surgery; in the case of cataract surgery that second lens is removed and in modern technology replaced with an IOL (artificial inner ocular lens). In olden days, prior to development of the IOLs, people who had cataract surgery were forced to wear very thick lens glasses (cataract glasses). The next generation after cataract glasses saw the advent of hard contact lenses (a great improvement over the cataract glasses). 3. I had surgery over 40 years ago on the left eye which removed that inner lens such that I had significantly improved vision for several years and had to wear cataract glasses. In the early 90's I was switched over to a contact lens. 4. The improved vision in the left eye gradually deteriorated as a thin film of calcium phosphate, (hydroxyapatite, excuse my showing off my chem eng background but hydroxyapatite happens to be something I worked very closely on for many years) formed over the cornea and the cornea also became edemic (out of round, bulged, swollen) thus needing to be replaced. 5. Nevertheless, I do now see somewhat better than before the cornea transplant in spite of not yet having the needed contact lens or having the stitches removed. I still have and happened to have had with me the old cataract glasses of over 30 years ago. They are, of course, not the right prescription but do nonetheless help. Prior to the surgery my vision was almost nil in bright sunlight or bright lights; that is no longer the case. 6. With the old cataract glasses, I would feel comfortable walking around the park by myself (but Alice still won't let me). Sorry Karen, you don't need to hold my hand and lead me back home anymore (but you still can if you want to). 7. Using powerful lens glasses I can now play Euchre and Pinochle without need of the special marked cards I have used in the past. Alice and I play Gin Rummy almost every night since all the snowbirds have left us here alone. 8. Plans for the Summer?: Man makes plans while God laughs. Our appointment with the contact lens specialist is June 11 and with Dr. Gibbons June 19. We hope to drive back to Missouri soon after that and hope to be able to stay in Missouri until near the end of July or whenever such date to which we can extend the next eye appointment. We plan to fly back for that appointment and then fly back to Missouri. 9. Dr. Gibbons says, "Don’t buy any tickets yet".
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Copyright © June 14, 2000 Jerry Lee Walker Sr. |