Team 21: Opening My Eyes For The First Time
all I do) it wasnt long before I was ready for my bed. I honestly thought Id struggle to sleep in the goggles that Optical Express provided me with (to stop me rubbing my eyes mid-sleep) but no, I dropped straight off. Now heres where it started to get fun. The next morning I awoke to be greeted with what I can only describe as vision so crisp it was like being opening my eyes for the first time ever; like Id never properly opened my eyes until that morning. And it only improved after Id yanked them off. I looked out of the window as excitedly as I would have if someone ran into the room shouting Its snowing! Its snowing! Now, my unassuming council house in Skelmersdale, Lancashire (near Liverpool) doesnt boast the most commanding of views but let me just say, a dual carriageway has never looked so crisp and so clear, certainly not to me, not without a strip of plastic strapped to my ears. Ive never actually been excited about the prospect of an eye exam before, but my follow up appointment was that very same morning and I was actually looking forward to being driven there, to the prospect of taking in the sights Id now be able to enjoy unaided. I was still a little light sensitive and so I, quite ironically I might add, wore my sunglasses (50p from Primark on the day bargain!) on the trip. The improvement after eye surgery can be relatively gradual, taking place over a number of days after the surgery; I could tell my peepers still had a little way to go but I really could see an astonishing improvement even then. In fact, I believe that I actually, for the first time ever, had the best vision out of all those I was travelling with. And heres how I know: As we made our way along the M57 toward Liverpool, I pointed to a white lorry, far along the road in the opposite carriageway and said, I can even see that lorry all the way over there. What lorry? my Dad said. I cant see a lorry agreed my partner, Sophie. All I could do was smile and say, Exactly. Seconds later, they both saw it. Now Im not gloating, but let me just say - speaking as someone whos known for his comically terrible vision - that was an exchange Ill never forget. Case closed. The surgery was a complete success. By now (exactly one week later at time of writing) my vision has completely righted itself, no pain or discomfort whatsoever and apart from some very slight bruising to my left eye beneath the lid (a normal by-product of the surgery) youd never even know Id had it done. Thanks Optical Express, you fixed my eyesight and for that you have my eternal gratitude!