Tracy Glass
Few things are more devastating to an artist than going blind. But that is exactly what was happening to Tracy Glass in her early 50’s. It turned out Tracy had developed cataracts in both of her eyes, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which prevents a clear image from forming on the retina and impairs vision. Tracy’s cataracts developed to the point that she began having trouble recognizing faces and distinguishing certain colors.
As an accomplished jewelry maker, painter, sculptor and avid skier, her failing eyesight had a devastating impact on her artistic endeavors and athletic lifestyle. Tracy was referred to an ophthalmologist who recommended she have intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted in her eyes to replace the cataractous lenses. Having developed cataracts in both eyes, Tracy had one surgery for each eye, performed several weeks apart. As a result, she did not have to take any time out of her busy schedule to recover. Although her physician told her she may not be able to see perfectly for several weeks, Tracy was able to see clearly immediately after her surgery.
Just a few weeks after her eye surgery, Tracy was back to being actively involved in her artistic and athletic interests. Now she is designing high-end jewelry with intricate detail for clients around the world without any glasses or even a jeweler’s loupe. She has also renewed her interest in sketching and plans to try new athletic hobbies, including kite skiing. “I can’t believe I’m so lucky to have benefited from this technology,” she said. “I can see like Superman.”