I (Really) Can See Clearly Now...... Part II

*Reading of this entry should be preceded by the readng of Part I.
The reading of the story of Glenn Beck sparked my interest for the writing of this blog. Enormous progress is being and has been made in the treatment of corneal diseases as well as other eye diseases. We are particularly blessed to live in this area where some of the greatest strides in medical research are taking place. Such is true with the Duke Eye Clinic in Durham.
Thus, having been "turned off" totally by the one doctor I made the decision to seek treatment for my inherited Fuch's at Duke. My new cornea specialist became Dr. Kim. I loved him from the start. His knowledge and manner were particularly impressive. He explained the complications and symptoms clearly and no question seemed too trite or small.

My vision had become considerably blurred such that I could hardly see the music I played and was having difficulty reading. I could not distinguish notes from one another. Everything was blurred at best. Soon I was having more and more difficulty seeing dark colored vehicles in the shadows and at dusk. This had begun to frighten me. I learned from Dr. Kim that the back of my corneas were pitted like beaten metal. When I visited the doctors I observed and heard them pecking to draw what they saw when they examined my eyes. This was also causing them to hold the water that our eyes accumulate when we sleep. Normal corneas disburse the fluid when we wake. My pitted ones did not. They held onto the fluid. Thus my vision was more and more blurred and distorted. Sometimes late in the evening water would run from my eyes down my face. The cure -- remove and replace the corneas.
Soon I was to be one of the first patients to receive a new surgical procedure developed to remove the damaged cornea and transplant a donated cornea.

The results are immediate and long term. By the time the eye is uncovered the vision is improved. Over the four - six month healing period gains are made in recovering vision.
I am certain that the results vary from person to person but I feel especially fortunate to not need to wear glasses to see now but only to protect my wonderful new corneas.
Still having not shed my fear of this recurring, I soon started asking questions like, "What if this happens to my new corneas?" My doctors quietly explained to me why it will not happen to my transplanted corneas.
Hang in there, the Glenn Becks of the world. There is hope. Keep the Faith.