Adjusting Focus

After several hours in front of my computer, I shift my attention from the screen to a book on my coffee table. Initially, I thought my blurred vision was just a sign of tiredness. My eyes were watery, making it hard to read the words clearly. I rubbed my eyes to clear them, and when I looked at the book again, the text seemed a bit more focused. Then, without really thinking about it, I pulled the book slightly further away. Suddenly, the words were sharp and distinct. I considered that maybe I just needed to rest my eyes, perhaps use eye drops, or even reduce my screen’s brightness and wear glasses to block the blue light. But deep down, I knew these were just temporary fixes, not the real solution to my problem.

A few days later, I bought a pair of blue light blocking glasses online. I didn’t realize until they arrived that they had a slight magnification. I thought about sending them back but decided to try them out first. Sitting in front of my computer with the glasses on, I was amazed. The screen looked clearer than it had in ages. Reading my book with the glasses was even more impressive; the text seemed to come alive. While I was delighted with the clarity, I also felt a bit worried.

Eventually, I went to see an optometrist. After a series of tests, the doctor prescribed reading glasses and suggested I get them soon. I asked if there was a way to fix my eyesight. The optometrist smiled briefly and said no. It’s quite common, he explained, for people in my age group to need reading glasses, especially if they read a lot or spend much time in front of a computer.

Getting used to my reading glasses was strange at first. They almost perfectly matched the magnification of my Amazon glasses but tended to get dirty quickly and needed constant adjustment. It’s been years since I first needed them. Even though needing reading glasses is common as we age, it still surprises me that it happens to so many at around the same age. Many people I know, including family members, started using reading glasses in their forties.

Now, I don’t just use my glasses for reading or computer work. More and more, I find myself struggling with small text on my phone, menus, my watch, and other close-up tasks. I can’t wear them all the time, as they blur everything but my near vision. But I’ve started carrying them with me everywhere. It’s a subtle reminder of the passing of time and the constant changes in our lives and bodies. It’s okay, though. It reminds me to appreciate every moment and every day, to find joy in even the simplest things.

As I began to integrate reading glasses into my daily life, I noticed an unexpected shift in my perspective, extending far beyond the printed words and screens. The glasses, initially just a tool for clarity of vision, gradually became a metaphor for clarity in life. By focusing more intently on the text in front of me, I found myself paying closer attention to the finer details of the world around me.

It’s fascinating how a small adjustment to one’s sight can lead to a deeper, more observant way of engaging with life. I started noticing subtle nuances in my surroundings – the way light filters through leaves, the beauty of the sky and the clouds, the deep taste of food and wine, or the rich textures of objects I previously glanced over. This heightened awareness brought with it a newfound appreciation for the everyday miracles that often go unnoticed.

In this journey of adapting to reading glasses, I inadvertently learned a valuable lesson about mindfulness. Just as the glasses help me focus on the text, they reminded me to focus on the present moment, to truly ‘see’ and appreciate life’s beauty. In a way, they became a prompt, urging me to slow down, to savor the fleeting moments that make life so rich and varied.

This experience has also been a gentle reminder of life’s impermanence. Just as my eyes have changed with time, so has my perception of life. What once seemed mundane now holds a special allure. It’s a lesson in embracing change, not just in the physical sense but in the way we perceive and interact with the world.

As I continue to navigate the waters of middle age, my reading glasses have become more than just a visual aid; they are a symbol of life’s continuous evolution. They remind me to focus not just on what is seen, but also on what is to be appreciated and cherished. In sharpening my vision, they have, in a sense, sharpened my experience of life.

So here’s to the little things that make a big difference – may we always find clarity, both in sight and in life.

I hope you have a slow and enjoyable weekend.