This is what I kept saying to myself when I found out I needed glasses. It was pretty obvious this was the case even before I went to the optometrist. I had been suffering from migraines, blurry vision and general discomfort for a couple of weeks.

Me with my new glasses

At first I didn’t like the thought of wearing glasses as it brought back memories of my brother getting his first pair and the teasing that came after.

Kids can be mean in school but I always remember it being particularly hard for my brother and it got worse when he started wearing glasses. They began to call him four eyes which I’m sure isn’t exactly a new term but it was the first time I’d heard of it.

I have always loved reading. I was pretty proud of myself in primary school when I read forty books in a year and my interest in the written word has only gotten stronger. I have multiple magazine subscriptions, spend hours reading articles on the internet and have numerous books on the go. This all came to a stop when I began suffering from eye strain. I didn’t know what to do with myself. What does one do when they can’t read? I went for walks, baked and cleaned but it wasn’t the same. I’m one of those people that will read before bed to relax, and so every night for a few weeks I struggled to sleep.

Yesterday I got my glasses and although I feel a little self conscious I couldn’t be happier.

Everyone has been really supportive. Can’t say I’m surprised! I don’t think I could have lasted much longer without my glasses. I was going crazy not being able to read and working in front of a computer all day was a struggle.

My brother recently had eye laser surgery so he no longer needs glasses. He has been going through pretty much the same as me; pain, dizziness and discomfort. It’s been great to see him being complimented about his new look and I’ve noticed his confidence return.

While our experiences have been different we both agree that it’s all been worth it now we can see.

Featured image by Rachel Kurzyp.