John Higgins Prioritizes Career Longevity, Rules Out Laser Eye Surgery
A deteriorating eyesight hasn’t deterred snooker icon John Higgins from dismissing laser eye surgery, fearing the procedure could prematurely end his illustrious career. The four-time world champion, 50, has openly discussed the challenges he faces, admitting his vision now requires him to wake earlier on match days to allow it to adjust.
Higgins is navigating this evolving situation as he prepares for the Scottish Open, beginning his campaign at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Centre on Monday. The world No.6 acknowledged the increasing difficulty he’s experiencing, stating, “I’m struggling visually… It’s starting to be more of a struggle.”
The decision to forgo laser correction comes amidst cautionary tales from within the snooker world. Several players, including practice partner Stephen Maguire and world No.1 Judd Trump, have undergone the procedure successfully. However, the experience of three-time world champion Mark Williams – who repeatedly postponed lens replacement surgery after learning it ended Anthony Hamilton’s career – has given Higgins pause.
“I’ve not thought about laser at all because you never know, something could maybe go wrong,” Higgins explained. “Stevie had laser back in the day. Mark’s left it after thinking about it. You’re always maybe thinking on the negatives over the positives.” He described the issue as a blurring of vision at a distance, crucial for judging shots on the snooker table.
Despite the concern, Higgins remains remarkably philosophical. “I’ve said it before I’m lucky my eyes have lasted until I’m 50 and a lot of the boys have lost it a lot earlier on in their careers,” he noted. “I’ve got to 50 and your eyesight has been pretty good so you’ve done well with it. I’ll just keep on doing what I’m doing.”
The return of snooker to Scotland in 2016, as part of the Home Nations series, holds a special significance for Higgins. He reached the final in Glasgow that year and has since added another final appearance in 2021 (held in Wales due to a contractual issue) and two semi-final runs.
Higgins is determined to capture the Scottish Open trophy, aiming to cap off a successful 2025 with a victory before the year’s end. This year has already proven fruitful, with the veteran securing two significant ranking titles, ending a four-year drought. He will face Antoni Kowalski in his opening match.
“It would mean a great deal,” Higgins said of winning in Scotland. “It would be very special, all the Scottish boys would tell you the same thing. You always enjoy playing in your own country. It’s the only time really your family and friends can come and see you.” While acknowledging the added pressure of playing on home soil, he believes his experience should allow him to manage expectations, though he admits he hasn’t always succeeded in doing so.
Higgins expressed satisfaction with his current form, stating, “I think my form’s all right. I’m happy enough with the way I’m hitting the ball. I can’t complain. I’ve played some good stuff. I’m sometimes missing a couple which you can’t afford to do against the best players nowadays.”
Also in action on Monday is former world No.2 Stephen Maguire, who faces Chang Bingyu – a player who recently recorded a maximum 147 against him during UK Championship qualifying. Anthony McGill completes the Scottish contingent, taking on Tom Ford on Tuesday.
