She Strengthens

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

On my 21st birthday, I received a shocking revelation that would change the course of my life forever. A failed eye exam led me to an optometrist, where I was diagnosed with keratoconus, a degenerative cornea disorder that warps vision. The prognosis was uncertain, with no way to predict how quickly my eyesight would deteriorate or how severe it would become.

Navigating a Blurry World

As my vision declined, everyday tasks became increasingly challenging. Reading without glasses was a struggle, and driving at night became a hazardous endeavor. The main issue was color and light distortion, which made every light source refract into multiple points surrounded by a washed-out halo. Imagine driving through a kaleidoscope of colors on a rainy night in Washington State – it was a recipe for disaster.

A Desperate Search for a Solution

The only solution to my condition was a cornea transplant, but it was an expensive procedure beyond my means. I had to wait over a decade until I finally had medical insurance to cover it. By then, my vision was severely impaired, and I had developed a noticeable lazy eye.

A New Lease on Life

The surgery was a success, and I was finally able to see the world with clarity. The first few days were painful, but as my sensitivity to light subsided, I began to notice the dramatic difference. The distorted sea of color and light that had plagued me for nearly a decade was gone.

Rediscovering the World

As my vision continued to improve, I began to appreciate the little things. Traveling to Spain and visiting the Prado museum was a life-changing experience. Seeing Picasso’s masterpieces with clarity and depth was a revelation – I had never truly seen them before. The same applied to the natural beauty of the autumn leaves, which I had forgotten could be seen as individual entities rather than a blurred mess.

A Lesson Learned

My journey has taught me to appreciate the fragility of life and the importance of celebrating what we have while we have it. We often take things for granted, but my experience has shown me that even the smallest joys can be lost in an instant. I’ve learned to cherish every moment, every sunset, and every work of art that crosses my path.