Contact lenses improved my vision and my life

‘Four eyes! Coke bottles!” If you think these “mean girl” and “mean guy” comments are only seen in movies or read about in books, they’re not. As a child and teenager I was subjected to these remarks from strangers and classmates alike without provocation.

“How must that affect someone’s self-esteem?” you might ask. One need not wonder. It’s enough to wear away at a person’s confidence little by little. What motivates someone to be so hurtful? That’s a question only those that are heartless and malevolent can answer.

I had to look inward to find my true value, as well as see my reflection in the eyes of those who surrounded me with positivity. But when I turned 15 I found a way to match my outer countenance to my inner self-worth: I had saved up enough money to get my first pair of contact lenses.

Of all the accessories I’ve accumulated and utilized throughout my life, my first pair of contact lenses was the most beneficial to my identity. They were not frivolous by any means. These lenses were not just a fashion statement. Along with the promised improvement to my vision, they brought me renewed self-assurance from the very first day. I could see myself in a new light, and others could see my true visage instead of the one obstructed by my broad-rimmed, black cat-eye glasses with thick lenses. If eyes are the window to the soul, then my soul was now visible for all the world to see.

These hard silicone lenses played a part in allowing my social development to grow according to my true potential. Contact lenses cut short the damaging and repetitious assaults, which would surely have taken their toll on me. I wasn’t suddenly propelled to the head of the “in crowd” and I wasn’t voted homecoming queen, but I had my small group of close friends and that was good enough for me. I also noticed some sidelong glances from some of the boys I considered to be cute, which had not been the case before.

This seemingly insubstantial and trivial accessory proved to be life changing for me.

Growing up, there were other accessories that I’ve either purchased or I’d been given that were near and dear to my heart and were kept in a safe and protected place when not in use. One of my favorite collectibles was my mood ring, which held a stone that changed colors depending on my frame of mind. In my teenage years the colors must have changed constantly! I also had a “pet rock,” which was a fad at the time and a Pez dispenser filled with Pez candies. My lava lamp was a favored possession, as was my troll doll with long blue hair.

Many individuals collect valued treasures, ornaments, doodads and knick-knacks over the years. Some even have them to this day. Perhaps they hold a particular meaning for them or even remind them of a special moment in time.

How ironic it is that my favorite accessory, my contact lenses, are no longer necessary. I needed cataract surgery — and I now have 20/20 vision.

Joan Benowitz

Lido Beach