RENEWED VISION


Groping for my spectacles and putting them on before I open my eyes every morning has been a routine for the past 40+ years. This morning, after the cataract surgery last night, the trusty pair of glasses was no longer by the bedside table. I walked to the window, parted the curtains and looked out the window. It seemed like the world has changed over night. The Ficus tree in the garden, with its perfect crown of bright apple green leaves were shimmering in the early morning light. The park across the road and every blade of grass never looked so green. Everything was in brilliant colors and perfect focus. I swear I could even see the yellow stripped caterpillar on the tree.



Cataract and Lasik surgery has been around for quite some time. When lasik became available in this country some 10 years back, I was among the first to sign up for it but was rejected as an unsuitable candidate because of some minor eye blemishes. A few more tries down the years with numerous other eye clinics that had opened up also met with the same rejection. I think it had something to do with these kiasu clinics wanting to keep their 99.9% success rates.



So the only alternative left for me is cataract surgery and the timing seemed right during the Hari Raya. The surgery was expensive, uncomfortable and the post surgery recovery period cumbersome, but the renewed vision in the end makes it worth the while. The results so far proves to be better than I had expected. I cant wait to go back to the golf course. Hopefully, I won't have to ask "where did my ball go" like I used to after teeing off.... well may occasionally..if it is wild shot.


3 October 2009






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