EDIT #1: This post was written about two weeks ago, and this is the first chance I've had to post it.
I went to Big Lake Eye Care today for my first appointment with Dr. Bartels and had an amazing experience.
Unlike the other places here that offer eye exams, they use some killer technology. I was pleasantly surprised that I did not have to have my eyes dilated. It made the experience much more comfortable! I was stupid and drove myself up there not even thinking about it, knowing I couldn't get myself home afterward if they did. I'm glad they have some top notch gear!
One of the tools they used was a Topcon Digital Retinal Camera. Seeing my optic nerve on a screen in front of me was really cool - almost as cool as the first time I saw my chest x-rays. I've seen optic nerves and chest x-rays before, but never my optic nerves or my chest x-rays. I also learned that I have an amazing lash count from the image of the front of my eye.
It is amazing how much a few simple images of the front and back of my eyes could tell. It turns out I've got astigmatism! All of the other doctors I've been to have never caught it, but Dr. Bartels found it after a few quick and easy tests.
What exactly is astigmatism?
According to WebMD, Astigmatism is caused by a cornea or a lens that is not symmetrical. The 'lens' of my eyes aren't perfectly curved as they are supposed to be - or in basic terms, I've got misshapen peepers. Unfortunately, it is something that will get worse as I get older. For now, corrective lenses will help me see more clearly.
Everything was so high tech, and then he used a traditional phoropter to figure out exactly what strength I need for each eye to help me see better. Of all of the things I had encountered, that had to be the only piece of equipment that I recognized, haha.
After the exam ended I was introduced to Jenni, a member of the sales team, so I could pick out my first pair of glasses. She let me roam through the selection of women's glasses and try on anything that I wanted. I had loads of fun trying on pairs of Prada and D&G glasses that I would never be able to afford!
In the end I picked out a pair of Takumi glasses that had magnetic sunglasses that pop on, mainly because I will only need my glasses for driving, watching television, and just whenever I want to see clearer at a distance. I don't have to wear them 24/7.
I get to pick them up in about a week.
I had such an amazing experience. I am glad to have them included in my regular health care routine and cannot wait to develop a good relationship with Dr. Bartels and the rest of his team.
EDIT #2: I got my glasses last week and they make such a HUGE difference in my vision. I know he said I don't have to wear them all of the time, but I can't seem to function without them anymore. Everything looks so different without them. I can't believe I spent so long not being able to really see the world in clarity. Now if I don't wear them, everything is fuzzy. Think about watching one of the older televisions with rabbit ears and not getting a channel very clearly. All of the images are a bit fuzzy and you can't make out much detail. I feel like I've gone from rabbit ears straight to HD.
I have a feeling I will be turning into a total glasses whore and have a pair for every day of the week and every outfit.
Unfortunately, I have to have them refit already because the BF accidentally nailed me in the face with his elbow on the couch the second day I had them.
I will post pictures if I can ever get my camera back from my other half. I know what I'm getting him for Christmas!
