Time to see the retina specialist

Two weeks ago I learned that I have a hole in the macula of my left eye. Next week I will undergo eye surgery to correct that. The actual name of the procedure, I believe, is “vitrectomy… dissection”, or some such. E-c-t-o-m-y at the end of a word means something is being removed. I don’t know a lot about the mechanics of the procedure and that is just as well. However, I do know the surgical procedure I’m going to have causes cataracts. My vision will likely improve after surgery, then decline with the onset of the cataract and then I’ll have the cataract removed.

The retina specialist didn’t emphasize why I have the hole in my macula. He was more interested in how recently I noticed my vision changing because of it. The change in my vision, in that eye, makes things looked warped. It is like looking in one of those zany mirrors in the fun house at the fair. Although I have every confidence in the surgeon, I’m a nervous wreck. Nobody ever faces surgery without being nervous. Nobody.

I am grateful that there is a procedure to fix the eye problem I am having. We do not know what caused the problem. It is not hereditary. Neither of my parents ever had problems with their eyes. I am having trouble coming to terms with this eye problem of mine. However, I do think of all the health problems I do not have. I don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or elevated cholesterol. As for my eyes, except for the problem at hand, my eyes are in good shape. I do not have glaucoma, and the eye muscles, and my peripheral vision are all excellent. PAM WALKER Jim Powell of Young Harris