It’s not unusual for victims of CRVO (Central Retinal Vein Occlusion) to permanently lose useful vision in the affected eye. Four weeks ago, I couldn’t read a thing with my left eye (I couldn’t read road signs even if I walked right up to them). Straight lines appeared wavy, and everything had pinkish-gray pallor. And I had little reason to think it would improve.

But, over the last two or three weeks, it’s gotten dramatically better. Currently the vision in my damaged left eye is almost as good as my healthy right eye (this is possible only because the left used to be the much sharper of the two.) There’s still a slight color distortion, but that I can live with.

Upon being diagnosed, I’d been invited to take place in a research study at the hospital. But today I was sent home after a follow-up evaluation. I was told, “This is certainly not typical vision for someone that’s had a central occlusion.” There’s still a chance that I could suffer a setback, but right now it’s a huge relief to have the use of both eyes.

Ischemia: A decrease in the blood supply to a bodily organ, tissue, or part caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels.

I know that having a long, healthy life is not owed to me or anyone.

I know that I haven’t always taken care of my body as best I could.

I know that the few troubles I’ve had thus far could easily have been much worse.

I know that whatever health troubles I have now pale in comparison of those to come.

Still, I find permanently losing a significant portion of clarity and color accuracy in my left eye (previously my sharp eye, my camera eye) very, very depressing.