“Should I get LASIK?” This is a question that everyone who eventually decides to get the procedure at one point asks. The reasons why you should are not only numerous but also compelling.

Optometry has a substantial history: In 1263, Roger Bacon first mentioned lenses as “useful for those with a weakness of sight”. By 1286, the first rudimentary pair of glasses had been created. Yet it was the twentieth century that saw the greatest advancements; in approximately 100 years, the rapid evolution of optometry yielded a number of critical developments in eye health. Here is a quick look at some of the most interesting.

There are few things more liberating than taking control of an aircraft. What seemed insurmountable on solid earth is suddenly no more than an inconvenience; trips are shorter, views are better, and it is as though the sky belongs to you alone.

Last summer, I ended up at a barbecue in an unfamiliar city by invitation of a friend of a friend. I had, at the time, severe myopia (nearsightedness)—I could see objects clearly only within a couple of feet; beyond that, my vision became progressively worse. My contacts were irritating my eyes, so I decided to play it safe and wear glasses.

You have probably used the expression “20/20 vision” in everyday conversation, heard it on television, and seen it as a requirement for specific jobs, such as pilot or police officer. The concept is closely identified with what many consider perfect vision, so what’s the big deal?