Reflections: Seeing The World Through My Prescription Lenses!




I have astigmatism, myopia, and amblyopia. These are eye defects that can affect one’s vision. Hence, I have been using prescribed corrective lenses for many years now. It’s always been a problem getting the right lens power because there is more than one problem at play here. Also, over-correction can lead to headaches and other visual discomfort. I’ve had cause to change my lenses several times. Well, some months ago, I went for another refractive screening. I got a new pair of lenses that had more corrective power and yet, comfortable to wear. For the first time, I could see better, farther and brighter. I was elated and euphoric. But that is not the whole story.

When I walked out of the eye clinic with my brand-new lenses, I was amazed. Everything looked a lot brighter, colourful and beautiful. The things I saw minutes before getting my lenses now look far better. I did not realize that this world was that beautiful. It’s like seeing my environment through National Geographic cameras; it was lovely. This experience got me thinking: if the world could look better with a new pair of prescription lenses, how much more will it look like with far more enhanced lenses! Think of Television. We once had black and white TVs and we were amazed at the things we could see. Now, compare that with new TVs that have high-definitions: the difference is so clear. What changed? We might conclude that invention of new communication and transportation means like computers, internet, airplanes, has changed the world dramatically. That said, there are certain things that have not changed. Take our natural environment as an example. Even with all the harm that man has done it through environmental pollution, we still have beautiful plains and sceneries all around us. If you take a video camera of the 1970's and another from the 21st century and you use them to make films of our natural habitat, we will notice an outstanding difference. The difference is not a change in our habitat; rather, it’s merely a change in the power and quality of the video lenses used. The world did not change, but our ability to see the world did. That draws a parallel with my prescription lenses. My environment did not change, but my ability to see my environment better did.

We are limited in our basic senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch. Yet, we enjoy life so well with what these senses afford us. To enjoy life fuller, we take advantage of modern technology to enhance, but not replace, our ability to feel and experience the joys of living. On an individual level, some of us have poor vision, colour blindness, anosmia, partial or complete deafness and other defects that can prevent us from enjoying life to the full. How happy we are when we are able to get help from advances in medical research! How happy will we be if we live in a world free of physical defects and illnesses and thus enjoy life to the full! There is a lot more we can enjoy in this life, if only we can see it.

Let me leave you with my final thoughts on this subject: The world is only as bright as you can see it. Sometimes, the world does not change, but our ability to see it does. Have a lovely time.




©Dr Eugene’s Column (http://dreugeneojirigho.blogspot.com/)

©Dr Eugene’s Blogs (http://dreugeneoji.blogspot.com/)

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