KEVIN PAINTER is the latest PDC star to have undergone laser eye surgery.
The former World Championship finalist has dropped out of the world's top 16 over the past two years, during a run which has seen him fail to win past the quarter-finals of a major televised event.
He lost to Denis Ovens in the third round of the recent Speedy Hire UK Open in Bolton, after which he spoke to Paul Nicholson - who had laser eye surgery earlier this year and has won three Players Championships since.
Painter had his laser eye surgery after competing in the recent tournaments in Nuland, and is already feeling the benefits ahead of the Sky Bet Mobile World Matchplay in Blackpool next month.
"I have been struggling for about 18 months if I'm honest," said Painter on the Unicorn website. "The final straw was the UK Open.
"I was playing on one of the outer boards, I just couldn't see the board properly and the numbers were blurry.
"I can already see the difference and just ten minutes into my first practice session after the procedure, I hit a nine-darter."
Painter has drawn World Champion Adrian Lewis in the first round of the World Matchplay, in a clash which many predict will be the highlight of the opening night on Saturday July 16 at the Winter Gardens.
"I can't wait," he added. "I know it will tough, because he is the World Champion, but if he takes me lightly he will get beaten.
"I have a good record against him and I don't fear anybody."
Tickets for some sessions of the Sky Bet Mobile World Matchplay are still available in person from the Winter Gardens Box Office or via Ticketmaster on 0844 856 11 11.