Warren, I suffered some cornea damage while on my ride. Both eyes were damaged similar to what happens to a welder's eyes when they stare at a welding rod.
I'm not sure how it happened, but it was probably exposure to wind and sun, and using Visine. I now know the preservatives in Visine can really screw up some people.
I ended up in a Leadville, Colorado. emergency room. The pain was kidney-stone like. I was unable to function, so I took the meds they gave me and just got a hotel to try and heal enough to continue on my journey.
This morning I am off to see a doctor about my eyes and also look into options for corrective procedure for my up-close vision.
I also want to tell you guys what my therapist told me about alcohol use ... to be continued.