This is for all of you that wear contact lenses.
First, and foremost- this is to be an advisory to anyone that wears contact lenses.
Second- while I am usually flippant, and lighthearted…for once I am being serious.
Thirdly- this isn’t a “pity” post, or “woe is me” post… just a “don’t do as I did” post.
I’ve worn soft contacts for about 30 years now. I would always start off followint the guidelines for usage to the letter. But, invariably, as time went by, I’d slip on procedures, and cut corners.
Well, It’s finally bit me in the ass. Or, the Eye, if you will.
I wore extended wear contacts. The nice, soft ones that you can sleep in. I followed all the steps for care, intially. Cleaning, wearing, etc.
I got lazy, and I got sloppy. No excuses. I just didn’t follow procedures after a few months.
Last Weds, I felt an itch on my left eye. I thoutght it was an eyelid, caught under the contact. I did the standard procedures, that all contact wearers do (If you don’t know what those are, you don’t wear contacts!).
After 48 hours, it wasn’t better- so I sucked it up, tossed the machismo, and went to an oplologist …optmololig..an Eye Doctor. Not the guy that fits your glasses, but a eye doctor. After 5 minutes, they sent me to a specialist.
2 Attending Physicians, 3 Interns, and a slew of 4th year students later… I have a ulcerated cornea- either from bacteria or fungus. Purely because I didn’t follow the procedures outlined in the simple care of a contact wearer.
Now, let me put it this way. There ain’t quite anything in the world to describe someone scraping your eyeball with a scapel… While you are awake. Talk about the “heebee-jeebees”!
Since Friday, I have been placing medicine in my every half hour, 24 hours a day. Yes, it’s annoying as hell. And it hurts. But, if I don’t – I’ll lose the eye. Sure, it might be cool and romantic to be a Sysytem Admin” with an Eye Patch… but it’s not for me. I’d love to go “Arrgh, matey” everytime I went on a serrvice call- but only in fun.
So, bottom line- Those of you out there that wear soft contacts- follow the freaking instructions for wear and care. The alternative sucks!
Hopefully, I’ll “see” y’all in a few days, Cranky and goofy as always.
Edit- it’s a bear typing with just one eye.