Mark Williams Weighs Up Surgery as Vision Deteriorates
Snooker legend Mark Williams is considering corrective surgery on his eyes as his vision deteriorates, but is wary of the risks involved. The 48-year-old Welshman, who recently won the British Open, is still playing to a high standard and is reluctant to take any drastic measures.
Williams told Metro.co.uk: “My eyesight is nowhere near as good as it used to be. That’s declined over the last 18 months and is getting worse every six months or so. I’ve got glasses now and when I put them on it’s unbelievable, I can see everything and that’s when I realise how bad my eyes actually are.”
The three-time world champion went on to explain how he was thinking about getting his eyes lasered this year, but is hesitant due to the potential risks. “I was thinking about getting my eyes lasered this year and the only reason I haven’t is because I’m still playing to a decent standard. Not everything is successful when you do things with your eyes. It’s just in case something didn’t go well and then that’s the end of your career, really. I’ll keep evaluating it every year and maybe get it done at some point.”
Despite his deteriorating vision, Williams remains positive about his game and believes he has become a better all round player than he was in his younger years. “My stamina has obviously dropped off, but I think my all round game has improved, I’m a better all round player now than years ago,” he said. “I’ve got a better safety and tactical game now than I did have. I was probably just an out and out potter years ago.”
Williams is currently competing in the Northern Ireland Open and is looking to win his second ranking title of the season, and the 26th of his career. He downed Tian Pengfei in round one and takes on Robbie Williams in his second contest on Wednesday afternoon.
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