I have a condition with my eyes that means the sun is just a little brighter and colours just a little sharper. It used to show in my art. People would look at the picture and say – where is that blue?
I’d point and say – right there.
They’d just smile and pat me on my head. I didn’t understand that others didn’t see the same colours. But as I’ve got older the colours have worn out my eyes. They get tired so very quickly. So much so that I have to shade my eyes when I go out and I work in perpetual twilight. My workshop is always in cool shadow. I don’t mind. In fact if I am in the garden I find that I get tired very quickly. My eyes just want to close.
I always have dark shadows under them… So when someone finally diagnosed me I thought that my luck had changed. I went to the hospital. They confirmed the problem and then said that they didn’t treat it…
What? – I said.
You will have to see an optician.
Aren’t you an optician? – I asked.
A little better than an optician.
So can you help?
I am sorry but it isn’t my field of expertise.
Can you recommend anyone? – I asked.
No.
And that is that. I have now got to ring around all sorts of opticians to see if anyone can help. I did ask – what if I can’t find someone?
Just get a tint in your glasses?
What colour? – I asked, because I know that tints come in all shades and colours.
Whatever you find easiest to see with.
So that is the new plan. To get a tint. It worries me about my art but I really need to walk around outside without squinting and feeling that I haven’t slept in days. It should also cut down on the migraines. I am just shocked that a known problem would be on the edges of research despite effecting so many dyslexics.
Oh… The syndrome is Meares Irlen.
And I am just happy that it is an easy fix. 🙂
Kate Murray 