See as thou was want to see

- well that is a quotation from Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream. Very apt for us older people whose vision becomes impaired with age. Suddenly we do not see as well as before and need glasses or have to have cataracts removed or worse still develop glaucoma. Modern medicin is fantastic and makes little of these optical ailments.

I developed cataracts, first in one eye and then the other and needed to have eye operations to clear my vision. I found this very daunting as I hate anyone fiddling with my eyes.Still it had to be done as the cataract became very dense and clouded my vision and badly impaired my sight .                                                                                                                                                                       The day of the operation dawned and I was given a lift to the hospital at 7.30am. I arrived, quaking in my shoes and after being formally admitted was told to change into a hospital gown and be ready as I was the first person to be taken up into the operating theatre. The surgeon came and introduced himself and was very re-assuring. Next appeared the anaesthetist , who was a lovely lady and put me completely at my ease. The nurse put several drops in my eye and before I had time to worry, a porter came and wheeled me up into the operating theatre where the surgeon and his team were waiting for me, Everyone in turn introduced himself and we all chatted and joked as I was prepared for my 'ordeal'. A charming theatre sister asked whether I wanted here to hold my hand to which I readily agreed and tried not to hold on too tight. This was so very comforting and re-assuring. I never felt any of the injections in my eye or indeed any of the proceedure at all. The surgeon explained everything he was doing and praised me for being an excellent patient. He told me how an ultra sound wave melts the centre of the defected lense so that it can then be pulled out. The eye is then 'polished' and an acrylic lense is fitted into place. All this without any discomfort. Suddenly he exclaimed that all was completed  and perfectly satisfactory. I thanked everyone before being taken back to the ward to rest and enjoy a comforting cup of tea.

The other patients who were waiting were as frightened and worried as I had been, so I explained the proceedure to them and assured them of how lovely all the staff were and sang the praises of the excellent and patient surgeon.

The ward sister came and gave me a bag with eye drops, letters of instructions and a note to my GP. I was told how to treat my eye and when I had to come back for a check up.

Once more dressed for home, my daughter came to collect me and we went shopping before driving me back to my house.

I had to keep an eye shield on that day and night and when I removed it the following day to my delight, I could see perfectly well and clearly.  It was like a miracle. I had no after effects or problems at all- just perfect vision.

If any of my readers need such an eye operation,please do not feel afraid, but go for it!!  There really is  feel afraid but go for it!!  There really is nothing to worry about and the medical staff are so good
and competent, so that this is indeed a miracle that is performed and the words' see as thou was want
to see' really become true.