Peanuts In My Pocket

I had to take a break from writing for several weeks due to a health issue that began affecting my vision in early November. It started when I noticed that stepping from a dim room into bright light caused my right eye to “white out.” I could only see a bright, overexposed blur, with an estimated 90% reduction in visual capability. The same issue occurred in reverse, though it was less painful. Additionally, my right eye’s ability to focus became unpredictable, sometimes functioning normally, and at other times not at all.

As the condition worsened, I sought medical help. On better days, I could drive with sunglasses and even manage a little photography. However, by early December, most days were spent in a dark room, avoiding bright light to escape the headaches and eye pain that had become nearly unbearable. I felt so unwell that I canceled social engagements and declined a consulting opportunity I was excited about.

Using a computer or even an iPad for more than 15 minutes triggered severe headaches and left me with white spots obscuring large parts of my vision. To cope, I minimized screen time, instead opting for movies, podcasts, or audiobooks. Even simple tasks like thinking or engaging socially felt overwhelming and exhausting.

When I saw the doctor, I learned that the intraocular pressure in my right eye was dangerously high, putting me at risk of blindness within ten days. My left eye was also in the danger zone. Emergency treatment to lower the pressure began immediately, and thankfully, it worked. Within two days, my vision returned to normal. However, the eye drops caused significant irritation, leaving me confined to dark rooms once again, grappling with pain and discomfort.

I have glaucoma, though the specific type remains unclear. I’ve been told it can be hereditary, and my mother also had it. She underwent treatment about a year before she passed, experiencing symptoms similar to mine and reacting to the eye drops in much the same way. So… thanks for that, Mom.

Now, I’m preparing for corrective surgery scheduled for February. In the meantime, I’m adhering to a strict regimen of daily eye drops and oral medication to keep my eyes healthy. Thankfully, the most irritating eye drop was discontinued, and I’m feeling much better. I can finally spend some time on the computer and write again, though my motivation remains low after these challenging six weeks.