The Incline Public House

Thursday
Today was the day for my Iridotomy appointment at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. This is a procedure using a laser to create a tiny hole in the iris of the eye, to allow fluid to flow from the posterior chamber, behind the iris, to the anterior chamber in the front part of the eye. It is performed when the drainage angle in the eye is too narrow for fluid to flow out properly, which can cause pressure to build up and potentially damage the optic nerve. My appointment was at 9.30, and fortunately for us the building is only 10-15 minutes away. It is a large complex, and some people have to travel quite a way to get there. I checked in, then waited in the waiting area to be called for them to put three sets of drops in. Then I waited about 45 minutes for them to take effect. The actual procedure takes about 10-15 seconds - you’re just sitting as you would to have an eye exam, with your chin on a support and your forehead leaning against a support. A nurse held the back of my head - to make sure I didn’t move, but all I was really aware of was flashing lights, and a bit of pressure at the end, and that was it, except for waiting around for another hour for them to put some more drops in, check the pressure and blood pressure again. We were back home by about 12.15. I didn’t have any pain with it - just a feeling of irritation - they had suggested taking 2 extra strength Tylenol before leaving home, which I had done, and as I write this in the evening it feels fine. Feeling so thankful tonight for the wonders of modern medicine and skillful doctors.
We’d only had a light breakfast before going, and since I was feeling OK, I decided I deserved a lunch out. We decided to go to The Incline Public House in the Price Hill area of Cincinnati, which as you can see from my collage, affords great views over the city, from their covered outdoor deck, with fans overhead. The name comes from the former existence of an incline railway or funicular, one of five which once existed around the city, linking the city with the residential areas that sprang up on the surrounding hills, to escape the smoke and pollution of the city. The Incline era lasted about 76 years from the opening of the first one up Mt. Auburn until the last one at Mount Adams on April 16, 1948. We enjoyed a good lunch, then I had an easy afternoon at home.