Verdier Eye Care | authoremmapalova

The evaluation of the cataracts

By Emma Palova

EW Emma’s Writings

Note: This is the second part in the mini-series about Emma Palova’s journey from near blindness to new eyes with 20/20 vision. It is a story about cataracts that cause blurred vision.

The first part “Eyes set on Dr. Verdier” was published on EW Emma’s Writings http://emmapalova.com on Sept. 6.

The evaluation

Grand Rapids, MI – I was in at the Verdier Eye Center for an evaluation of the cataracts on July 11.

“Sweet,” said Dr. Nate Schlotthauer as he examined my right eye after dilating it with eye drops.

He called in a technician to look at the “perfect” cataract that plagues younger people than 60. Hereditary factors play a role in the fast-moving cataracts, as well as exposure to the sun, and birthdays, according to Schlotthauer.

I could not read the chart with rows of letters during the examination.

“It’s like looking through a foggy window that gets foggier as more layers are added,” said Schlotthauer. “Only a surgery can fix that. If you live long enough, you will eventually develop a cataract.”

I looked around me in the dark room with the expensive optical equipment and I wondered where the surgery will take place.

Optical equipment at the Verdier Eye Center

“Dr. Verdier will come now to see you,” said Schlotthauer.

Smiling Verdier with curly blonde hair walked in fast. I slightly remembered him from the story interview almost 10 years ago. Little did I know that I would be needing his eye care.

“I can’t drive. I can’t write and I can’t see myself in the mirror,” I described the fast progression of the cataract in the right eye. I have trouble seeing you doctor.”

Verdier examined the cataract nodding his head.

Dr. David Verdier, a recognized eye surgeon

“We’ll fix you up. We’re going to do the right eye first,” he said. “Don’t worry. But remember, you still might need eyeglasses. Look at me.”

A technician flooded my right eye and performed measurements of the eyeball for the future lens implant that will replace the natural lens with the cataract. She also made me an appointment with the family doctor to make sure that I was fit for a surgery.”

“Okay, you’re all set for July 22,” she said.

The Verdier Eye Care office center is located on the main floor of the 1000 E. Paris building. It is a network of hallways, examining and waiting rooms, almost like a glass house labyrinth. Technicians in Cherokee blue uniforms were running around.

Boards with blinking lights showed which rooms were occupied. Clearly there was a system and an order underlying the chaos.

I got my Patient Information booklet about the upcoming surgery. My husband picked up the prescribed Polytrim ad Prednisolone eye drops for me. I was all set.

About the featured photo; This is what objects seem like with a cataract.

For more information on eye surgeries go to http://www.verdiereyecenter.com

To be continued with “The surgery”

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