CAT’S EYES, PART VII

CAT’S EYES, PART VII

The time came for the bandages to be removed.  Joe was full of anticipation. After the long period of having his eyes bandaged, he came to realize what being blind would be like. How going from seeing to not seeing changes your life. Dr. Glassy said, “We’ll be removing your bandages now.  Do not open your eyes until I tell you to.  After we remove the bandages, I want you to look down and remain looking down.  I want to make sure the muscles are firmly attached.  The room will be in total darkness.  I don’t want to expose your new eyes to harsh light.”

“I understand,” responded Joe, anxious to experience how his new eyes would function.

He could feel the bandages being unwound from his head, and then thick gauze being removed from his eyes.

“All right, Joe.  Slowly open your eyes.”

Joe did as he was told, keeping his eyes down.  “I thought you said the room would be dark,” his voice full of anticipation.

“Joe,” Dr. Glassy said in a rush of excitement, “This room is pitch black. I cannot see you!”

With a quivering voice, Joe said, “But doctor, I can clearly see the floor, my legs. The light is dim, but I can see.”

Dr. Glassy, almost shouting, said, “Joe, I think the surgery was a success.  Keep looking down, and slowly move your eyes from side to side.”

Joe did as he was told.  “I have no trouble moving my eyes,” he said. It felt no different than when he still had his eyes, his human eyes.

“Is there any pain?”

“None.”

“Okay, Joe, we’re going to slowly increase the light.  Tell me if you feel any discomfort.”

The light level was slowly raised to that of normal.

Joe said, “I have no problem.  I see clearly. Especially objects which are close.”

“Great, Joe.  Keep your eyes down.  I’m going to show you a series of colored dots.  Tell me what colors you see.”  As expected, Joe could see only purple, blue and green.  With that test concluded, Dr. Glassy said, “Now, Joe, look up at me.”