Four Eyes

Look, Mom, new glasses!

A few weeks ago, I had the most thorough eye examination in my life. I’m not sure if anyone had ever dilated my eyes prior to this visit. Let me tell you, driving home on a sunny day with dilated eyes and not-so-dark sunglasses? Sneezy-palooza + ouch! to the tenth power.

I was absolutely fascinated by the entire appointment though. For instance, I’ve been wearing glasses since the fourth grade. But apparently I’ve been over-correcting my vision. My optometrist told me that my eyes prefer a stronger prescription when my eyes aren’t dilated, but my “true” prescription is significantly weaker. See? Fascinating. So I’m now wearing my true prescription, which I suppose will make my eyes work less and make them less tired, right? Sure.

Secondly, I mentioned that my left eye has been irritated lately, thinking it was just dry eyes or sucky contacts. My optometrist flipped my eyelid inside-out and said, “You have allergies.” No I don’t. “Yes you do.” And guess what, world? I totally feel them now. Once it was made aware to me that I, indeed, am allergic to something in the air, I’m now aware of my sneezing, my eyes itching, my throat scratchy, and my nose tickling. She could totally tell just by looking at my eyelids. You tell me that’s not fascinating.

Lastly, since I rarely wear my contacts, she suggested I switch to daily lenses so I don’t throw out a pair of monthly lenses after two or three wears. Duh, why didn’t I think of that? And here’s a nice perk: daily contact lenses are sooo much more comfortable.

I can honestly say, in addition to my new look, my optometrist changed my life this month.