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Mike D · Fri Jul 30, 2010 1:12 am

Hi to everyone, can't believe this site has been here for 10 years and I am just now finding it!! My name is Michael or Mike, I'm 35 and I hail from the plains of the Northern Panhandle in the great state of Texas. I've had one eye since I was 17. Lost my eye due to many, many surgeries in an attempt to save it. It all started at a young age of 2 years old when I was hit in the eye out by a dirt clod that came out of a pickup moving in the opposite direction on the highway. The clod came in the window and hit me in the back seat of our car. Talk about luck :wink:

This began life long problems with my left eye. I developed glaucoma and cataracts at the age of 5 and by the time I was 9, I was legally blind. 20/200 vision throughout junior high and several, several surgeries later my eye just couldn't take anymore. When I was 17, my cornea started rupturing on a regular basis and caused constant pain. At this time, I decided enough was enough and had my eye removed. I remember how terrifying it was to wake up from surgery and just wanting to take the wrap off my face to see the hole in my head. It was pretty scary, but I managed and life went on. My pain with my cornea was gone and boy was I relieved. Got my prothesis shortly there after and have learned how to do things in life with just the vision God graced me with in one eye.

That's the short story on my eye loss. Right now, I am in the market for a replacement since its been awhile with the current eye. My local optician recommended Randy Trawnik out of Dallas. And I was wondering, have any of you visited him? How was your experience? I have heard nothing but good things and am looking forward to making an appointment and visit. Any info is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks to Jay for making such a supportive site that affects more people then most people think... Looking forward to participating in such a wonderful site.... Take care!!!

Moby · Fri Jul 30, 2010 2:28 am

You have a wonderful upbeat outlook Mike, I know you will hear from many here, so from all of us, here's a big welcome.
Maureen

Willis · Fri Jul 30, 2010 2:48 am

Yep it sounds like you've got the one-eyed gig down pat. But its way past time for a new peeper. I had one for 20 years before someone mentioned i should get a replacement. You should get them cleaned twice a year and replaced every 5. Who knew

I'll leave recommendation to others from that big state. My daddy was born in Gainesville, but moved to Lawton at 5 yrs old. I guess he was a Texahoman. Keep in touch, let us know about what you find and tell us about the outcome. It'll go in the database for those who follow.

Welcome to LE

Jennifer Riley · Fri Jul 30, 2010 4:59 pm

What a crazy, crazy story about how your eye was injured. I had to read that one out loud to my family! Welcome to Lost Eye, Mike!

Mike D · Sat Jul 31, 2010 3:43 pm

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Now I have something that bugs me and I'm gonna take a small poll to see if it bothers you guys too. Why is it that the movie/TV trend now moving towards 3-D? Am I the only one having trouble seeing this stuff?

Can they not develop a technology that would allow me to see 3D?

Jennifer Riley · Sat Jul 31, 2010 4:56 pm

I know--this 3D trend totally annoys me!!! I am further alarmed by the fact that they are working to make 3D available without the use of the special glasses (such as the new Nintendo 3DS). Still, all this only works for people with 2 eyes. Tell me it's just a fad and not something that's going to permanently stick!

Willis · Sat Jul 31, 2010 5:03 pm

3D technology has been discussed at length, Mike. Try this topic HERE. Unfortunately the search doesn't recognize "3d" as a keyword, but "movies" comes back with less than 300 hits. The linked topic is by far the most lengthy. there are others.

New tech has made it reasonably easy to produce Jenn. It's here to stay. But I feel that the tech to give us the experience is doable too. given time. Folks, like me or those born blind in one eye, with more years in 2D than 3 may have a tough time adjusting, and the gear to produce the effect may be cumbersome at first, but I do think it will come. Any T. Edison types want to give it a try?

Woodeye · Sun Aug 01, 2010 1:31 am

I'm working on it

Mike D · Sun Aug 01, 2010 11:24 am

Willis thanks for the reference to the posts. I see that I'm not the only mono-visioned person with pet peeve on this. And to you Woodeye, I really hope that your technology goes over well and is adopted and makes you a very rich man :bigp:

I'll be one of the first in line to buy your tech whether it be by television or a movie.

Irish_In_Oz · Fri Aug 06, 2010 1:54 am

Hi Mike; welcome to LE; as the others say you sound really OK with the whole one-eye business ..... which is great. YEP!! 3D just sh$ts me off BIG time. Here in OZ they are now flogging 3D TVS and taping the BIG weekend footy games in ...u guessed it ...3 bloody D. I've told my hubby to stock up on normal TVs in case they stop making them :lol:

There is now 3D advertising billboards here!!! How's it going Woodeye??? and from memory another LE'er wife is involved in creating something for monocular people to see 3D.
cheers Vera

sally tolhurst · Sat Aug 14, 2010 4:04 am

Hi Mike, a little late but a huge welcome to lost eye - I reckon all le's folk on this site should write up their story and we will have so many wonderful/weird/funny (in an off beat sort of way) stories. Its great to have you on board - can't help with advice seeing that I'm in western australia - but good luck with your new eye.
I have heard that the people in texas are fantastic - my daughter just got back from "tribe teaching seminars" in League City in Houston and had a wonderful time - so you have my vote. keep posting sally

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