I went to an optometrist today for the first time in about five years. I knew my short-sightedness was getting worse, and he confirmed it.
Just part of the natural ageing process for people over 40, he politely explained.
I find it easier to read small print without glasses than with them. However, I’m not getting new glasses, or special reading glasses, at this stage.
The problem is irritating, rather than troublesome.
While there, he tested for glaucoma and took a retinal photograph. That was the first time anyone had taken a photo of my eye.
Optometrist said he’s had the machine for two years and it was the first one in South Australia.
According to this site, digital retinal photography produces a detailed photographic image of your retina.
“Any eye examination should always screen for abnormalities or disease including a careful look at the retina, its blood supply, and the optic nerve. The retina and the optic nerve are located at the back of the eye and connect the eye to the brain.
“They are susceptible to a variety of diseases including macular degeneration and glaucoma, which can ultimately lead to partial loss of vision or even complete blindness.”
It’s fascinating they can tell that much from your eyes.
Fortunately, my retinas showed no abnormalities.
That’s not my eye in the picture, by the way. I discovered it on Google and hereby acknowledge Nathan.
After visiting the optometrist I had a hair cut. When the barber was finished I asked him if he’d cut out all the grey hairs.
“Actually, I did,” he replied. “You’re grey hair isn’t that bad yet.”
There you go, I’m still young after all.
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I am happy to read about your eye exam and hair cut Michael, especially the bits about still being able to see, and having some hair still.
And the best bit, has to be that you still have a brain…and its still working!
Actually I’m surprised the barber didn’t suggest getting a hair transplant. Golly Michael, why not break out and have all your teeth pulled, invest in a walking frame, reserve your space in a nursing home, then you just have to wait..pretty soon you are so dead.
Don’t feel alone with your myopia.
I am so short sighted that recently I walked into a tree and smashed my glasses.
Oh and by the way, I need a suitcase every time I leave the house, just to hold my prescription sunglasses, my readers, my PC screeners, and my multi-focals for everything else.
The optometrist loves it when I visit because he can take long service leave, or hang out with all the other millionaires.
Mr McGoo, move out of the way!
Twitter: mgorey
says:
I took my eldest daughter to career counselling this afternoon. She’s strong at maths and science. I suggested she consider optometry or an allied health profession, knowing how much they’re in demand and something like what they must earn.
My consultation this morning was bulk billed.
Hi Michael
I just went to the optometrist a couple of weeks ago for exactly the same problem, having to take my glasses off to read small print. This always amuses my friends who have had perfect vision until middle age and then have to don glasses to read (something they always do rather self consciously).
My big problem is finding a new pair of frames. My optometrist doesn’t wear glasses and I don’t think he quite understands that when you wear glasses all the time making a choice of new ones is big decision.
He has persuaded me to try transition lenses that go dark when you go into the sun. I’m still not sure about them because I hate having dark glasses on inside. I have 30 days to decide if I like them or can get the lenses replaced at no cost.
Twitter: mgorey
says:
I’ve had transitional lenses for years Carlene, and they fade quickly indoors. I know what you mean about frames though, that’s a really tough choice.
Will contact you soon regarding a possible visit in January, if you’re not away.
I got glasses for the first time late in 2008.
This was primarily for reading at close distances (eg while working on computers, reading, etc).
According to the optometrist, it was primarily due to an astigmatism in my left eye, whereas my other eye is quite ok.
I always get short and long sightedness mixed up; though I assume I am long-sighted (on the other hand, astigmatism is quite different altogether, I suppose).
With regard to grey hair, I am only 21yo, but have quite a few grey hairs already.
My father’s hair went grey prematurely, by his late 20′s, so I assume something similar will probably happen to me.
It doesn’t worry me though.
Twitter: delmerw
says:
I certainly need new glasses. I can tell my right eye is straining when I read.
My optometrist took a picture of my eye the visit before last and found a freckle. He took a picture last time — the freckle is still in the same place and is the same size… which is good as freckles on the eye go.