To Lasik, or Not to Lasik?

That is the question. Ever since my wife and I put our finances in order, we’ve been looking forward to pursuing larger goals like becoming debt free, paying our son’s way through college, or the ever-popular buying a house. More immediately, though, I’ve been entertaining the idea of getting laser eye surgery.

I’ve had poor vision for most of my life. I know the cost would be significant, but it’s no longer prohibitive. The procedure itself is a little off-putting, but I think I could handle it. And I’m not particularly worried about any long-term risks. If I decide to go through with it, there’s really nothing standing in my way.

My real concern, however, is a loss of identity. As William James says in the Principles of Psychology, “The old saying that the human person is composed of three parts – soul, body and clothes – is more than a joke.” I’ve worn glasses since I was nine years old. They’re a part of who I am. I probably wouldn’t be the same shameless nerd I am today if I’d never needed them. If I don’t wear them anymore, will that diminish me? Will I see someone else when I look in the mirror?

Just as important as how I see myself, though, is how others will see me. I find that people with glasses are regarded as more intelligent. If I no longer wear glasses, will that make others regard me differently? Since I’m in a computer-centric field, will it hurt my career prospects?

I’m probably overreacting, but that’s my predicament in a nutshell. I know getting laser eye surgery won’t fundamentally change who I am. Still, I haven’t gone a day without glasses for the past decade and a half. If I stop wearing them, will it alter the identity that I’ve established? What do you think I should do?

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 25th, 2007 at 7:30 am and is filed under Journal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.