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O n Tuesday, October 6, I experienced a miracle. I looked out the window at the trees across the road and saw, not green blurs, but individual leaves shimmering in a light breeze. For the first time I can ever remember, I could see clear and crisp images beyond my arm’s length without glasses. I’ve been wearing corrective lenses for myopia since I was in second grade. Without them, the world existed in a colorful haze. Over the years, the prescriptions changed, but the glasses were always there. In recent years, my vision’s deterioration became more noticeable. I was diagnosed with early cataracts several years ago. They progressed until traveling at night became prob- lematic and reading road signs challenged me on any trip. The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes cataracts as a clouding of the lens of the eye. Once upon a time, such a condition meant blindness. Later, it meant a complicated surgery with weeks of cautious recupera- tion. Thanks to modern advances, today’s cataract suf- ferer can be back at work in a day or two, with minimal impact on any but the most strenuous activities. One Monday, October 5, I had the second of two cataract surgeries (one on each eye, a week apart) hence my mir- acle view. For many of us, such surgery has become or will become necessary. I’d like to share my experiences with you in an attempt to put your mind at ease. My ophthalmic surgeon met with me to evaluate my eyes and discuss my options. He answered all my questions and made me feel comfort- able with the process. I went into the first procedure with no concerns other than hoping my allergies wouldn’t kick up and cause a sneezing fit. I began a regimen of eye drops in my right eye on the Fri- day before the procedure. 12 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 A MODERN MIRACLE OF VISION By Mary Beth Magee www.LOL4.net Cont. page 14