The theory of relativity

I was recently at an eye appointment complaining about my vision. I just had cataract surgery and had corrective lenses implanted. Now, I see worse than before the surgery. I was upset. The doctor says to me, "Vision is relative. I've had people in here with way worse vision and they think they see fine." WHAT?

Somethings are relative, for example, pain. Some people have a higher pain threshold than others. I'm a little bit of a wimp, but Megan can take just about anything and say she's fine. Weight is relative, thus the measurements are in ranges rather than absolutes. Maybe I look fat to you, but to some I'm flat out obese. That means it's relative.

But, vision is not. There are specific standards that have been set since the inception of optometry. They measure it specifically. If you are seeing 20/20 it's good, if you are seeing 20/90, it's not. There are set standards for what is acceptable for certain activities. I'm pretty sure everyone has to meet a certain visual standard before they can drive, join the military, even play school sports.

Sometimes doctors irritate me just a little. I understand there are no guarantees, medicine is not an exact science, but don't patronize me when I come to you with a complaint, even if you think it is minor.