This year has thrown its share of curveballs, and for me, one unexpected challenge came in the form of eye surgery, a journey that’s been more protracted than I initially hoped. It began back in November 2019 with a seemingly minor soccer mishap. Absorbed in a weekend warrior game, I deflected a powerful shot with my left eye. Shaking it off, I played on, unfazed even by a lost contact lens.
Months later, as the world grappled with the pandemic, subtle flashes in my vision appeared, easily dismissed in the face of global chaos. However, by late April, a significant portion of my left eye’s vision was obscured. A swift visit to my eye doctor led to an urgent referral to a retinal specialist. The diagnosis: retinal detachment. Treatment commenced with a gas bubble injection, followed by laser procedures to secure the retina. Complications arose with a macular hole, necessitating surgery and a subsequent period of face-down recovery, aided by specialized equipment that made sleeping and resting a surreal, face-planted experience. “No Thanks,” eye surgery indeed.
My vision is still in recovery. Beyond a slight distortion that is gradually improving, the surgery seems to have accelerated cataract development, causing blurriness. While enhanced glasses help, perfect clarity remains elusive, particularly for fine print on screens. Yet, I’m back on the soccer field, sporting goggles and a “no heading” rule. Another appointment with the retinal doctor looms, hopefully bringing guidance on cataract removal and a step closer to pre-injury vision.
Amidst this personal vision saga, Jackson Browne’s classic song, “Doctor My Eyes,” surfaced as a fitting soundtrack. While Kkafa previously explored the song in February 2019, its themes of suffering and acceptance resonate deeply with my current situation. “Doctor My Eyes,” likely the first Jackson Browne song I ever heard, perhaps during sleep-away camp radio days, remains a favorite. It’s not about eye surgery, but about confronting hardship and finding a path forward. The song, enriched by the harmonies of David Crosby and Graham Nash, offers a poignant perspective on enduring challenges.
Ironically, the pandemic’s strain on healthcare systems became a silver lining. With hospitals prioritizing emergency cases, my condition qualified, potentially expediting my treatment. And, on a lighter note, I received a negative COVID test, a fleeting reassurance in a rapidly changing world.
