Open My Eyes

I was reflecting today on my eyesight. I had my regular appointment with my retinal surgeon. A little less than 3 years ago, in the fall of 2006, I went to have my eyes checked. He sent me to a specialist, and I was told I had Macular Degeneration in my right eye. At that time my eyesight was 20/200--I was legally blind in that eye. (I have the wet type, which is the more severe type of MD).

Fortunately, in recent years, they have found a medication which can be injected into the eye, and stops the progress of the disease, as well as often improving eyesight. It also helps to keep it from going to the other eye. The medication I use is Avastin; there is also another one called Lucentis. My eyesight has gone from legally blind to 20/50 in that eye. (Actually, today it was better than usual--20/40). I currently get these injections about every 5-6 weeks, to keep my eyesight at this level.

I am so very grateful for this medication! There was a time when this condition was untreatable. I can still read and do everything I enjoy doing, with the possible exception of night-time driving. I especially have trouble seeing if it is raining at night, so I have finally realized that this is something I really shouldn't do.

It goes without saying that I will do what ever is necessary to maintain my physical eyesight. I should be just as diligent to maintain my spiritual eyesight.

There are several verses that give instruction for our spiritual eyes.

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 121:1 I will lift up my eyes to the hill--where does my help come from? My help cometh from the Lord.

Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord...This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

There are also verses that tell us about the Lord's eyes.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

I Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are atentive to their prayer.

I need to remember to keep my eyes on Him and I am ever so thankful that His eyes are on me, keeping watch on me and on my loved ones. Praise be to His name.