small print

[redbird]

(I posted most of this to a Discord server yesterday.)

My eyes are now at the point that I have trouble reading small print. This isn't a problem on most websites, or on the kindle, because I can increase the font size there. It is a problem for hardcopy books and magazines, including two of the library books I borrowed recently.

It's also a problem for some printed forms, and for those four- and six-digit one-time authorization codes that are texted to my phone. If I'm home, I can use a magnifying glass, but I'm not sure carrying it around with me just in case would be practical.

I know what's causing this: my corneas are thicker than they should be (Fuchs dystrophy). This has been a thing for a few years (since before my cataract surgery, in fact), and is getting slowly worse over time.

I saw the eye doctor recently, to have him remove some opacity on one of thee artificial lenses. That worked, but only solved part of my problem. Based on what he said, I don't think it's time to do anything else except ask about a new eyeglass prescription.

The other thing that he could do would be a corneal transplant. That sounded as though it would be somewhat complicated and possibly unpleasant, with some risk of complications. Also, the doctor said that the transplant might not be a permanent solution, the way having him remove the cataracts was. Unlike the artificial replacement lenses, transplanted corneas can wear out over time, requiring a second transplant. So that makes two progressive conditions I have to live with, the other being the MS.

I have a follow-up appointment in a few weeks, I think to check intra-ocular pressure after the laser procedure, and I will ask about new glasses then.

Comments

[otter]

Bodies are so unfair. Sending hugs.

[anne]

I've had one of these for years, and it's great. https://www.magnabrite.com/

[kylinn]

There are some small portable magnifiers you can get. I picked one up at the local pharmacy years ago. Not as powerful as the one I keep at home, but still very useful when needed.

[minoanmiss]

If we could average out our corneas we'd both be doing better. ahahahahah

[redbird]

Yes, we could.

[threeringedmoon]

That sucks. I hope a different prescription can give you some relief.

[beatrice_otter]

Oh no! I hope the new prescription is helpful; having a corneal transplant sounds ... unpleasant.

[redbird]

It sounds unpleasant to me too, and I don't think Dr. Lazzara thinks it's time for me to have that done, even if it was available. I have, deliberately, not asked for or looked up details of that, because I don't want to think too much about eye surgery. If it becomes relevant, I will get some more information.

The cut tags in this post are because I know people who would really rather not think or read about it, even with that little detail. I've been sending one of my partners emails that said things like "the doctor says there are two things they might try" and "we did one of those two things, and it helped a little. I will discuss the other with him later."