BLUR
Cataracts.
Operation.
No guarantees.
The words drop like stones. She stumbles home in a
blur of eye drops and fear.
The day arrives. More drops so no reading for
distraction – nothing to do but wait and worry. Bright lights, a blur of
movement, the nurse’s hand a lifeline squeezed bloodless.
She goes home wearing a pirate patch and a relieved
smile. Gazes at her unfamiliar reflection, restyles her hair, and walks in the
rain without the blur of raindrops on glasses.
Now she’s a veteran. Cataract operation? Nothing to it
– a doddle – you’ll be fine!
................................................................................................................
'She' is of course me - I had both cataracts done last year and, after a lifetime of -9.5 myopia, I now only need glasses for reading. I could have written another story about having to dot several pairs around the house because I am unused to having to put glasses on for reading!
I was AWOL last week due to various family matters, but I missed you all so here I am again. Thanks to CE Ayr for the photograph and to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog, from where you can follow the blue frog link to read other stories. https://rochellewisoff.com/
Dear Liz,
ReplyDeleteI wondered if this wasn't based on personal experience. My Sister-in-law just had one eye done and says she's amazed at how well she can see now. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I was more than usually nervous because I have another eye condition that complicated matters. The whole process, including healing, took a year, while for most it's a matter of weeks. All well in the end though.
DeleteThe miracles of modern science and technology.
ReplyDeleteIt is a miracle, and I'm very grateful for it!
DeleteA story of hazard, fear, and reward. Very comforting for anyone facing hospital treatment
ReplyDeleteThank you Neil.
DeleteLoved that line: the words drop like stones
ReplyDeleteGlad your eyesight improved after the ops. I dread having to have anything done to my eyes.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
It was scary, but definitely worth it as my eyesight had blurred with the cataracts to the point where I had difficulty reading and was close to losing my driving licence.
DeleteIt sounds like your life has changed, and for the better. Sadly not all are as fortunate, as my mother can testify following her recent unsuccessful cataract operation.
ReplyDeleteMy story is a but click away!
Oh Keith, I am sorry to hear that.
Deletegood for her. I looks like she's ageing gracefully. :)
ReplyDeleteOr maybe disgracefully?
DeleteLovely story, Lizy.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of story fit into 100 words but you did it! I'm glad the surgery went well for you, Liz.
ReplyDeleteThanks jade x
DeleteI'm sure many people will be able to relate to this. It might now be quite a simple, routine, operation but waiting for it to happen must be scary. Glad it worked out well for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's the eyes, Patsy - anything to do with eyes is scary as Hell.
DeleteI know I will have to get one at one point... but it feels like a breeze compared to retinal detachment operation
ReplyDeleteDid you have that, Bjorn? How scary! I jußt avoided that, fortunately.
DeleteThanks for this personal flash. I love the emotion.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely comment, Dawn.
DeleteCongratulations on your successful operations, Liz. All the best. :) --- Suzanne
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne!
DeleteI have a cataract growing on my right eye. I feel a constant need to blink it away, wash it out, wipe it off. So my turn is coming, and I thank you for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThe best of luck, Linda,and like I said, you'll be fine xx
DeleteMy parents both had cataract surgery and my mother now reads without glasses... looking at me and smiling as I do!
ReplyDeleteLovely story!
Thanks, Dale.
Delete