On Being a Geezer: A Story of Eyesight

A number of comments emerged on my Facebook page shortly after I posted that my website renovation was complete. One in particular caught my attention. It was a ‘head sweller’ to say the least. In part it read, “You’re not a geezer by the way, you act way too young!” Of course, I was flattered but I said to myself, “Self…wait until she hears the rest of the story!”

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition. It is hereditary and treatable if discovered early. It is present in my family. So, I ensure that I have regular eye examinations.

Each eye examination has resulted in a good for one year, prescription for eyeglasses. Before writing the prescription the doctor always asks, “What glasses do you use now for reading?” I always respond, “Costco readers!” That seemed to be ok with him.

I stayed with the Costco readers for quite a number of years. It’s been an easy decision, $20.00 for 3 pair of readers that work or $300 for one pair of prescription glasses. All I had to do was purchase a stronger pair of readers when greater magnification was required.

It was ‘tell all time’ at this spring’s eye exam. The doctor, a young lady this time, was very thorough. Her questions based on what she observed revealed  that I had a double vision issue. Its no wonder the television screen was not sharp! Or when watching a commercial airliner flying high above it seemed to be flying in close formation with another.

As usual, I received a new, good for one year, glasses prescription and as usual I pinned it to my bulletin board and kept on using my Costco readers. However, after a few months, doubt began to seep in. Some of my images were a bit soft and I couldn’t see the television screen clearly?

So, two weeks ago, I visited our Costco vision centre. The technician reminded me that my prescription was for 2 differing glasses, one for distance and the other for working at the computer screen and reading. I decided to proceed. Loved the price!

My new glasses arrived last Saturday. I couldn’t believe the difference. It was a completely different world. Images that I thought weren’t sharp were really sharp! I could read without getting sore eyes. This image captured on the Oregon coast. It is one that I assumed was not sharp. It seemed soft. With my new glasses it is very sharp.

Lighthouse on the rocky Oregon Coast

When I used my distance glasses  to watch a hockey game on television I could see the puck! And when I  viewed the full moon with them on, there was only one moon. Not two! No longer did I have to squint to see clearly.

I’ve been told that geezers are cheap, stubborn and set in their ways. Based on this evidence…..GEEZER!