Vision and Health: A Family's Struggle

Hello Family & Friends.

This is somewhat long & and detailed, and my hope is that you will take the time to read my story.

This is very hard for me and my family to ask for help, but I'm reaching out in the hope that you are able to help in any way or share my story with others. It would greatly be appreciated.

As many of you know but for those who don't, I was born 3 months premature weighing only 1 lb 12 oz. Because of being premature, I have always had issues with my vision. I have done & tried my best in living with this disability and have always been able to manage and navigate life well until recently.

I found out on 01/31/25 that my vision got to the stage that I'm no longer able to drive day or night. This was such hard news to take at 40 yrs old.

I was very blessed to get cataract surgery on Feb. 20th on my left eye to see if that would make me see at a legal level again. My doctors are not sure if the cataract is the only thing as my retina is really thin as well. At this point, I am seeing somewhat better out of my right eye than my left.

Those of you who know me know that my right eye is not my main seeing eye as I only see out of one eye at a time, my left being my main eye. I've already had Retina Detachment and Laser and Cataract on my right eye, and I'm seeing at 20/60 out of my right eye, which is terrible. Since having the cataract surgery on my left eye, I can see things close up only, and my vision is still really blurry. The average time for someone to see clear is a week. However, it takes up to 6 weeks to completely heal. With my eyes being so unique, it will probably take me the whole 6 weeks.

If my vision clears up, I will need 1 set of glasses specifically to work on my computer, which I'm thankful to work from home. I will also need glasses specifically for driving if my vision is able to get back to that. As of now, I can't even get a new prescription for glasses for at least one month.

So, at this point, I will not be able to work for approximately 6 weeks. I am able to get short-term disability through my work, which I'm grateful for. However, that's not enough to cover all my bills.

I had to pay $2600 upfront just for the Toric Lens Implant. A toric lens implant is a specialized type of intraocular lens (IOL) used to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. Insurance did not cover this.

Just right before all of this with my vision, my husband Adam got very sick with severe sepsis and bacterial pneumonia that was super painful, and he was out of work for 5 weeks. He was very sick, making it hard to breathe, and was not able to return to work until just recently. He was not receiving any income at this time, and I did my utmost best to keep us going.

At this same time, our landlord raised our rent. To say the least, this has all been overwhelming.

I am asking for any help during this difficult and stressful time. I'm hoping for the best results and only time will tell. I appreciate everyone who understands and is there for me and my family. Anything helps, even just sharing. Positive thoughts & prayers that I will see better soon.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

I love you.