A good experience

Among other things

The past two months have been different to say the least. I had eye surgery — cataracts removed — one at a time, a month apart. I’d been told for several years that I should have that done, but I deferred as long as I could. Now, I wonder why I waited so long.

The procedure went well, thanks to Dr. Roger A. Barth of Glacier Eye Clinic, who comes to Polson from Kalispell to perform the surgery in St. Joseph Hospital. Dr. Jeffrey Heninger at Polson Family Eye Care made the initial arrangements and did the follow-up check the day after each surgery.

The results amazed me. After the first session, I could still drive with no difficulty. After the second eye was operated on, my glasses were useless and I went without specs for four weeks for my first time without glasses since I was 10 years old!

I was surprised to find I could read and operate my desktop computer and watch TV, but distance vision was poor without glasses. I could see the moon and stars, but couldn’t see clearly just a few blocks ahead. Distance is a relative thing.

I’d always appreciated the beauty of our valley and area but now the colors are so vivid, so much richer. In fact, for Father’s Day my kids gave me what I thought was a pale green shirt; it turned out to be a blue shirt.

Shaving the first time without glasses was startling — I wondered who that guy was in the mirror staring back at me!

The only real inconvenient thing about the whole deal was not being able to drive until the eyes were stabilized so I could get new glasses. I appreciated the kindness of the folks who acted as my chauffeur for a month. They really helped make the time go fast.

It’s been a good experience. I thank God for the talent and expertise of the doctors, hospital staff, and clinical personnel who are able to help people with vision problems.