I haven't been posting much lately and the reason being is that I've been diagnosed with a rare form of glaucoma which has left me visually impaired in my left eye and to a lesser degree my right eye. The doctors aren't sure what has caused this but believe this condition is "systemic" in other words related to another underlying medical condition that has yet to be diagnosed. At first they couldn't tell me if any permanent damage has been done by this condition but have been treating it very aggressively in order to stave off permanent blindness using eye medications. Doctors now say I'm making progress in getting back my vision in my left eye as the inflammation and pain have subsided. This is not something I would ever have thought would happen to me in a million years especially with my love for photography and the visual world and all its beauty, I think I could deal with losing my hearing, but losing my eyesight is going to be tough to deal with.
Went through a battery of tests on Wednesday and should have the results back on Dec 29 when I go back to be rechecked. In the meantime, still sticking to my regimen of eye medication, some times my vision is good, other times not as good not sure why that is happening but I suppose that's better than not being able to see at all.
Yesterday we had a major winter storm here, took this shot from the comfort of our family room looking outside at winter's fury.
Took me about three times longer to process this one, since I can't see the computer screen as well as I used to, very frustrating and my eyes get tired very fast. Hopefully, that'll improve soon so I can become more active in the forums again.
Steve - VERY sad news; scares me to think that it can happen to any of us. my hearing is very poor, but that is nothing to the worry you have to bare. our very best wishes from me and my wife.
regards, tom
Steven,
I am sorry to hear this and hope that things start to improve for you soon, beginning with the results of your work-up.
As you know, I enjoy your images and have an interest in cityscapes/tall buildings as well. In the meantime, image above looks fine.
Scott
Steve,
Thank you for sharing your situation. I tend to be one of those who "lives for tomorrow" instead of enjoying today. Just a worrier and planner by nature. Yours is a good reminder to continue to make efforts to enjoy today more fully. Best wishes on a successful continued diagnosis and treatment.
Nice shot that gives me the impression, "I'm glad to be inside!" Agree about the triangle at the bottom.
Steve
Nothing frightens me more that loss of vision. Serious situation my friend, and you will find nothing but empathy for your plight here. I hope the "systemic" aspect of the condition leads to its successful treatment quickly. Meanwhile the weatherpretty snotty outdoors right now, and less tempting to your urge to get out and shoot. Lots of rest, and less eye strain might hasten your recovery.
Your compositional skills don't seem to have suffered.
Steve,
Sorry to hear of your situation. My mother went through this as well and there were some really low times. However they were able to get her back on track with the medication. She was actually able to get to the point of no longer having to take them and made a full recovery. My wishes are with you in that you will have the same success. That is definately not something that anyone in this profession / hobby should have to go through. Stay strong and keep shooting. Thanks Steve,
This is quite possibly the saddest news I have heard in a long time, especially of a fellow FM member.
A photographer losing his sight must be like a musician losing his hearing. Both are travesties in their own respect. I don't know what you are going through, but I send you my warmest regards to get better soon. Hopefully your illness will show us other photographers how lucky we are to have our vision. I will pray for you to get better and we all hope you start posing again regularly as well.
Sorry to hear about the bad news, Steve. I've often thought to myself the same thing... I could lose any of my senses and deal with it, except for my eyesight. As photographers, we're obviously very visual creatures, and I can't imagine having that taken from me.
Hope you make a full recovery, and Happy Holidays in the meantime!
