Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Cataracts: Not Just for the "Mature" Eyes

Last Wednesday Forester had his eyes checked by his Ophthalmologist to see about that cataract. Well, it turns out it's not just one cataract but two.  He has them in both eyes but they are the same type (PSC) and equal in growth. To better understand what a cataract is, the doctor explained it to me like this: Our lens are made up of many thin layers. One layer in Forester's lens is "frosted". Think of frosted glass. Right now it's so mild that they aren't visible to Forester and doesn't affect his vision. These cataracts could continue to grow & cloud his vision or it could stay just like it is for his entire lifetime and not interfere. There is no way to know as each patient is unique. We are going to pray for the latter! But, if the cataracts do worsen then a simple surgery would be performed on both of his eyes to replace his lens with artificial ones. This would restore his vision completely. I realized as I shared this good news with friends that our good news would be another parents' devastating news. Surgery on both eyes? But, a surgery that can totally reverse a problem is very good news to us! We live in a different world than most around us, I guess. But, I'm also reminded that there are parents all over the world who have lost a child today. To cancer, or disease, premature birth, starvation or a horrible accident. They would love to have a small problem like deafness in one ear and cataracts on the eyes.  I bet in the course of my day today I passed by someone who is living their life around the hole where their child used to be. This is not lost on me. Not ever. And though I may have moments where I'm sad, above all I know we are blessed and I am thankful. Thankful for good news and so very thankful to have Forester here.

" I will praise the LORD at all times.  I will constantly speak his praises."
Psalm 34:1 (NLT)
Whitney

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update Whit! Prayers continue for you and the fam. Your children are certainly blessings and I'm so glad to hear your perspective!

Thesupermanns said...

This is good. ....may The Lord always give forester clear sight.....in whatever way it has to happen. Good insight too Whitney.....on loss and gratitude living together in this fallen world....day by day...