I picked up a new pair of glasses last week. I was surprised when the optician’s office called to say they were in since I wasn’t expecting them for another week. Not only had they come in early, I had twenty-four hours to pick them up before the office closed for the next two weeks. When I arrived at the office, I following their instructions and knocked on the door. In a few moments, the door opened a crack and a pleasant young woman peaked out and asked me my name. She said she’d be right back and shut the door saying no one was allowed inside.
A few minutes later, the door opened again and I was handed a bag containing my new glasses. That was it. No adjustment. Just the glasses in their case with a cloth and small bottle of lens cleaner. I put on the new glasses and confirmed I could see. The gal smiled and said if I had any problems I could come back after April 6th. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining about the customer service I received. Frankly, I was impressed I got the new glasses at all. This is simply our new temporary reality.
Adjusting to a new pair of glasses is always a challenge for me. Even the slightest change in prescription finds me continuously moving the glasses around my face in an attempt to find the “sweet spot” where the world comes into clear focus. By the end of the day, my eyes ache and it takes every bit of self control I have to keep me from flinging them from my face and replacing them with my old pair. But, the thing is, two years ago, I fought the same battle with the ones I yearn for. Experience has taught me that eventually, my eyes will adjust to the new lenses and all will be well. It’s just a matter of time and some discomfort.
Then there are the aesthetics of the new frames to get used to. Several years ago I determined that the best person to take with me in picking out new frames was my husband, Dave. He has an excellent eye for color and since I am unable to see what the different frames look like without the benefit of corrective lenses, I find seeing them through his eyes works best. We also use cell phone photos for the final determination, but generally I rely on Dave to narrow down the field.
Even with this history, I doesn’t change the fact that every time I walk into the bathroom and catch sight of myself in the mirror I look totally different from what I’ve come to expect. If you’ve never worn glasses, imagine what it would be like if you looked in a mirror and discovered you’d grown a mustache overnight or your hair has changed color. It just takes getting used to.
These past few weeks, we’ve all been challenged by a new temporary reality. Life is definitely not the same and there is a lot to get used to. The good news is that this stuff is just temporary. It will probably continue longer than we’d like, especially as the seasons change and we want to do the outdoor things we enjoy – outside the boundaries of our own yards (if we are fortunate enough to have our own outdoor space.)
Looking at life through new lenses may be challenging in the beginning, and becomes more frustrating the more we fight it. But I have faith in all of us and am confident that eventually, we will find that sweet spot and be able to focus again.
Great post Monica….I always feel the same way when I catch a glimpse of myself in new frames. I have a new pair on order, along with a year’s supply of contacts. I wonder when I will be able to get them! And I love how you tie our present situation in with your personal experience. Be well my friend and stay safe!
Thanks again for your kind words. Good luck with your new glasses!