I'm not really sure what happened. The day started normal. My eyes were a little watery but I thought it was just allergies. Even though I don't have allergies. But you know, there's all kinds of stuff floating around in the air and it didn't seem that strange to me.
I got to the gym later than normal. I step outside and notice my eyes are super sensitive to the light. It's blindingly bright outside. When I was on the treadmill I noticed it was a little hard to focus. Not like anything was blurry but it felt like my eyes were trying to pull together. Like they wanted to roll inwards. Does that even make sense?
I realize I've got an orthodontist appointment and since I got to the gym late, I had to cut my hour short. I rush over out of the gym and this time the sunlight is even worse and I'm thinking dang, I should have brought my sunglasses. I change my clothes and leave for my appointment but this time when I step outside, it's so bright I can't keep my eyes open. Literally can't keep them open.
I throw on my sunglasses and take off, thinking my eyes will adjust. But no, they didn't. I was involuntarily squinting the entire drive. So much so that I kinda thought maybe I shouldn't be driving. But I was already on the road and I've got full coverage, so what the hell, right?
I get to the orthodontist office and I still can't stop squinting. I'm trying as hard as I can to make them open, but I can't. And they're getting watery. Nothing is hurting, I just look ridiculous. So I go to the bathroom to throw away my contacts. The minute I take them out my eyes start kinda burning. Nothing too bad but it's uncomfortable.
At this point, I'm still thinking it's allergies. So the orthodontist comes in, does his thing and I'm all sorry my eyes are leaking. Then I wait for the tech to come in to do the real work and it's getting worse and worse. Now my eyes are really burning. And really watery - I have a constant flow of tears. She's trying to stay calm but I could tell she was a little freaked out because she kept saying "Are you sure you're okay?" "Do you need some help?" And I'm like "No, no - I'm fine! Allergies."
I stumble out to my car and call my husband to tell him something is going on with my eyes. No you don't need to come get me. Yes, I'm okay to drive. It's just some weirdness. No, I'm fine - no worries.
What is it about me that I just never think I need help? Even though I literally couldn't see, I was sure I could drive myself. My plan was to tilt my head back and peak out of the little slit I could create by using all my eye strength to try to pry my eyes open.
I didn't make it out of the parking lot.
The husband arrives and decides immediately I need to see a doctor. And I'm past the point of believing all is fine so I agree. Of course, it's after 5 by this point so off to urgent care we go. The doctor took a look at me and scheduled me an emergency appointment with an opthamologist.
The opthamologist determined I had some kind of toxic reaction to something and that my contact were acting as a shield for my eye which is why it got worse when I took them out. I have no clue what got in my eyes.
We was kind enough to give me a bunch of free medication - he said it was over $200 worth. Freebies rock! So now I've got a rotation of medications to use throughout the week, including one that is goopy and gross. But my eyes feel better and can actually open - so no complaints!
 |
| This is what $200 worth of eye medication looks like - minus one bottle. |
No comments:
Post a Comment