Lasik

Today was my big day in Ann Arbor with one of the leading Lasik surgeons.  It was a very positive experience.  I had many, many tests done, and my eyes are perfectly healthy aside from moderate nearsightedness and moderate astigmatism in both eyes.  I am a good candidate for Lasik. . .



. . . but I have elected not to have the surgery.  My rationale is multifaceted.  First, to have the doctor perform the surgery will cost $4300.  Of course, he is not just any doctor.  He is one of the leading doctors in Lasik and helped develop the current laser technique.  I chose him because he's one of the very best, and I only wanted the very best working on my eyes.  I could have a fellow do the surgery for $2900 or a 3rd year resident do it for $1800.  I would only want the doctor.  No offense to the students.


Second, the main reason I wanted the surgery is so I can ditch the glasses.  According to the doctor, the odds of needing glasses even after the surgery is 1 in 200.  Those odds just weren't good enough for me.  I don't want to pay all that money, undergo elective surgery and still have to wear glasses.


Third, the worst case scenario (which I'm not that worried about with the doctor but would be with a fellow or resident) is that there is permanent damage to my eyes, meaning that I, the in very worst case, I could need a cornea transplant.  This would mean a tremendous amount of money and time to fix, if it's even fixable. 


Finally, in about ten years I will probably have to have reading glasses anyway.  Lasik doesn't eliminate the problems that come with age and loss of close vision is an issue that develops with age.  So, in roughly ten years, I'll have to have glasses anyway.  


If I had a job or hobbies that made glasses or contacts a nuisance like skiing, swimming, diving, or even acting, I would probably go through the surgery.  In reality, for me, it's just a vain procedure.  I mean, let's be honest.  So, here we are again:  do "x" or take an awesome vacation.  And here I am again voting for a vacation!  


Mike drove me to Ann Arbor since I had my eyes dilated, and I told him on the way home, "I'm feeling a lot less guilty about getting the iPhone since I'm not getting Lasik!"  He just laughed.


I guess it's not too early to start taking recommendations for vacation destinations.  Maybe we can take a short trip over Mike's spring break and a longer one for summer break.  *smile*  So, where did you go on your favorite vacation?