[cowtown]

Thanks for all the great feedback.
Moses, your experience with Mandel confirms a lot of other good things I have heard about him. I first looked him up because both of my wife's grandparents had him do their cataract surgery. And though I know I'm better off considering statistics than anecdotes, the huge list of surgeons, MDs, and ODs who have used him for the procedure does say something to me. On top of that, his statistical outcomes are in line with the other doctors I was considering. I fall into that large "98% 20/40 or better" range.

I've done a ton of research on LASIK over the last couple years, and it finally seems like it's become a stable/routine (as opposed to revolutionary/experimental) procedure. I'm a really conservative guy when it comes to risk, but I've read up on the risks and have found them acceptable for someone with my correction level and lifestyle. The key is just hoping your specific procedure falls into that statistically normal sample of results. As my stats teacher used to say, "you don't want to be an outlier!"

BlueSky, I do appreciate what you say about only having one pair of eyes. That's exactly what kept me from considering the earlier procedures like PRK. It's also made me shy away from the latest-greatest Intralase machine, which replaces the keratome (knife) that's used to cut the corneal flap with a laser. No real statistical information on results or long-term effects is out yet.

Dantilla, if I were in your position, and my livelihood depended on perfect vision, I'd pass too. My goal is to be able to drive uncorrected (which I think requires 20/40) , and anything on top of that is added benefit.

I've also wanted to wait until my eyes completely stabilized (I'm 32 now). Hopefully I'll get in 10-12 years before I start needing reading glasses.

It's been a huge decision for me, and I really appreciate the responses!

Colin