With all kinds of complications attacking from every side like marauding locusts, exposure to different types of instruments—and their updated versions—was inevitable. For measuring eye pressure, I remember long ago a needle-like instrument would be placed directly on the open eye to measure pressure. How was one supposed to not automatically close their eyes? There was no way. "Keep it open," they'd insist.

Then came another device—a cylindrical probe-like thing with lights that slowly extended until it touched the eye. "Don't close your eyes. Don't blink." How on earth is that even possible?

Next up was the air-puff test, where a sudden blast of air hits the eye. Compared to the others, this was a relief. But the best instrument of all was the hand-held one—at least it gave some semblance of control.

People with low vision, like me, often have shifty eyes that can’t focus on one point for long. And yet, there was a test for that too—the dreaded field test. In this test, you place your chin on a rest inside a big bowl-shaped instrument. This posture is never comfortable. You either end up bending like a question mark or with your head too high or too low, nothing aligned properly—head, neck, and back all aching. Then you’re asked to focus on the tiniest flickers of light. Weak, bright lights flash from different directions, and each time you spot one, you have to click a button in your hand. Fifteen minutes, twenty minutes? Who knows? By the end of it, you might need to see an orthopedic surgeon just to recover from the discomfort.

Then there was the fundus examination, if I recall correctly. A dye would be injected into the veins from a syringe so large it resembled a Holi water pistol. At intervals, sudden bright flashes of light would capture images of the retina. Thankfully, this test has mostly been replaced by more modern instruments.

To check for bleeding in the macula area, there's yet another instrument. Once again, you’re told to stare at something, like a hungry man eyeing a plate of food kept far out of reach, hoping the ordeal ends soon. Lights flash and move about, testing your patience.

But I must admit, as time passes, these tests have become shorter and don’t take as long as they used to.

The worst stage is when the doctor examines the retina. With a large magnifying lens shining bright lights through it, they examine the eye thoroughly. "Look left, sir. Look right. Up, sir. Down." After that, you're left blinded for a while, staggering out of the office like a ship lost at sea.

These past few parts have been written in a light-hearted manner, but the reality is that these tests are taxing. So why not make light of it to get through the process?

Continued in 169. Dare the Scare - Part 1