Your Sight

Here's a question with a difficult answer: 

Do you take your sight for granted?

Right at this moment, probably you do.  You don't even think about it.  It is like breathing.  Most folks don't think about their ability to see.  Not until it starts to fail.  Or, perhaps a loved one's sight begins to fade away.  Then you might briefly consider the possibility of this happening to you.

Do any one of these 5 things below seem to be a new part of your life?

You can't seem to see quite as well as you did "just a short time ago". 

TV, or the computer monitor is just a little "fuzzy" and you're having to lean a bit closer to see well. 

Street signs are not clear until you get up close. 

The fine print on medication containers requires you to use a magnifying lens.

When driving at night, the head and tail lights of vehicles are "starry".

                                                          .  .  .

Any of these conditions are warning signs.  Each suggests rather strongly that an early trip to your optometrist, or ophthalomologist (a Medical Doctor specializing in eyes), and an eye exam, is in order.

You might be sent by one of these specialists to your regular Medical Doctor for an additional check up.  That last symptom can be an indicator for diabetes.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness today.  Not to mention a host of other problems.

That is how I discovered that I am diabetic.  Type two, adult onset. Now under control for 15 years with diet, and medication.

There's another thing you can do to raise your own awareness about caring for your, and your loved one's, vision. 

Deliberately take the time to talk to someone who is, or was, visually handicapped / challenged, or possibly even blind for a time.  Try a relative, a neighbor, or simply stop by the Senior's Center nearest your home.

My mother suffered with macular degeneration in her latter years.  She was able, with help, to learn to accommodate to the condition.  More than anything else, was her own unending sense of frustration at being unable to do the things she had always enjoyed: gardening, sewing, walking around outside, and puzzles.

More reasons why The Lions Club and their mission is so important.