I don’t mind getting older. I see it as a privilege and want to appreciate it fully. Yet, I find myself pushing back against things that “old” people do. For example, I just had my second eye surgery – the first one was done last August.
Fighting Terminology
Note that I said “eye surgery” and not “cataract surgery.” I realized that in my mind cataract surgery sounds like an old person kind of thing whereas eye surgery has a younger ring to it. Perhaps like Lasik surgery to avoid wearing glasses.
When I went into my surgeon’s office the afternoon of my operation to have the eye patch removed and for a post-op check, I burst into laughter. There, in a row, were nine people with patches on one eye.
The silver hair, or no hair, of the folks lined up in the waiting room had me thinking: Face it, Jude, cataract surgery IS done on older people.
Great New Vision
I always try to find the sweet spot in any experience. The upside of this one is that now I can, for the first time in my life, drive without glasses.
This is a marvel. I was used to turning my head and neck to get full perspective as I drove because my frames limited my peripheral vision. Now I just turn my head slightly and can see so much more – a definite perk!
I have also committed to not balk before any experience from now on, even when something makes me feel sad or miserable.
Needing Reading Glasses
The downside to my eye surgery is that I can no longer read without glasses. My prescription lenses were bifocals, but when I was in bed with the book on my chest, I could read without them. I am grieving this loss.
So how to turn this around? Well, my prescription glasses were about six hundred dollars a pair. Thus, I only had two, and only replaced them every few years when my insurance would partially pay for new ones. To economize, I always selected a frame that was not too trendy so it would last longer.
Readers, on the other hand, can be found as cheap as a dollar to $25 a pair. I can choose frames to match my outfit and they can be as trendy as I like because they are easily replaceable. This is a clear upside and a balm to my desire to look stylish.
A New Problem Arose
But, as it happens, I wasn’t used to readers. I kept losing the darn things. Unlike my prescription glasses, which I wore all the time, I only need these for close work. I am constantly leaving them somewhere. In the first two weeks I misplaced four pairs!
I tried the neck chains, but can you think of anything less fashionable?
The Right Solution Always Exists
Imagine my surprise when I went shopping in my favorite boutique and saw this very creative magnetic eyeglass holder. It’s held by a pair of magnets and doesn’t damage my clothes, even silk blouses.
These holders come in a variety of shapes and colors: hearts, fleur de lis, crystal stones, starfish, turtles, an artist’s palette, and more! I think they’re a brilliant and fashionable idea for those of us who manage to lose our readers much too often!
Adjusting to a New Type of Aging
I am gradually adjusting to needing a pair of readers on hand. I have about a dozen now, placed all around the house and in my purses. I am still shopping; I found a gorgeous teal blue pair today.
Dr. Christiane Northrup, who wrote Goddesses Never Age, says we are all growing older, no control over the calendar, but we can make choices as to how we age. I am aiming for gracefully, in excellent health, and with style! How about you?
