When I’m Seventy-three

Seventy-three is the magic number, apparently. That’s what I’ve been told.

Not everyone will develop cataracts. But if you do, that seems to be the age it happens.

I try to have regular eye checkups, but I had missed a couple years. I did manage to get to see Dr. Alex last month. They did the whole dilation thing and he checked me out. No great surprise. I have slowly been developing a cataract for the last few years. That was confirmed. Then he half jokingly told me I’d probably need to have something done about that when I’m seventy-three.

Seventy-three? Was that just a random number?

I was told it really was the age most people who develop cataracts will need to have them dealt with. I still have a ways to go, but the gap is closing. I won’t say it’s real close, but close enough that it made raising money for a new ophthalmic microscope suddenly got a bit more important.

I asked if the microscope we were trying to buy was the one they would use on me. His answer was that the one they have now has been in use since he started around this area. I did not ask how long that has been exactly, but it likely falls within the time frame. So Dr. Alex will probably be using that microscope on me. And many other.

Cataracts are not uncommon. Many people develop them. It’s not the only thing that would require this piece of equipment. So please, help out.

Look at it this way. I plan to live well past seventy-three. In fact, I don’t plan to stop driving until I’m at least ninety. I’m really looking forward to the days I can drive down the 103 at about half the speed limit with my blinker flashing. And even though I’m driving slow, it would be really nice if I can see you as you give me that one fingered salute on the way past.

So whether you just know someone who’s getting close to seventy-three, or plan on getting there yourself some day, it would be really handy to have that microscope on hand to help keep our vision in good shape.

Please give to the radiothon.