And yet one family welcomed Vincent and encouraged his work. In many respects, members of Roulin family were Vincent's only friends in Arles. Always challenged to find willing subjects for his portraits, Vincent found Roulins to be extremely accommodating and patient. In total, Van Gogh painted or sketched 25 works of Roulin family, including one of Augustine Roulin. Thanks to kindness shown toward this eccentric and troubled painter by old postman, Joseph Roulin, and his family, Vincent was able to produce some of his most beloved works.

During Van Gogh’s period of illness he was confined first to Arles hospital, then to asylum at Saint-Rémy, where, in 1889, he painted swirling, climactic Starry Night. Starry Night is probably Vincent Van Gogh's most famous painting. Instantly recognizable because of its unique style, this work has been subject of poetry, fiction, CD-ROMs as well as well known song "Vincent" or "Starry, Starry Night" by Don McLean.

While there's no denying popularity of Starry Night, it's also interesting to note that there is very little known about Vincent's own feelings toward this work. This is mainly due to fact that he only mentions it in his letters to Theo twice, and then only in passing. In his correspondence with his brother, Vincent would often discuss specific works in great detail, but not so in case of Starry Night. Why? It's difficult to say. Some people have made stylistic comparisons to Vincent's other well-known and equally turbulent Seascape At Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Does tumultuous style of these works reflect a tortured mind? Or is there something more we can read within whorls Vincent's raging night sky? This is what makes Starry Night not only Vincent's most famous work, but also one of its most frequently interpreted in terms of its meaning and importance.

Some people have speculated about eleven stars in painting. While it's true that Vincent didn't have same religious fervor in 1889 when he painted work as he did in his earlier years, there is a possibility that story of Joseph in Old Testament may have had an influence on composition of work.

'Look, I have had another dream' he said, 'I thought I saw sun, moon and eleven stars, bowing to me.' -Genesis 37:9

Whatever interpretations or underlying meanings, Starry Night stands out as one of most important works of art produced in nineteenth century. After painting Wheatfield with Crows during last three months of his life in 1890, Van Gogh’s work began projecting ominous overtones of distress. Two days later, he shot himself, dying in arms of his brother shortly after.

Some of Van Gogh’s other notable paintings include, The Seine Bridge at Asnières, Old Man With His Head In His Hands and The Reaper.

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In patients over age of forty it will probably be necessary to still wear reading glasses because they are required for problems other than cornea problems that can’t be treated by correctional treatment. As a general rule, though, if you have an eye problem that means you need to wear glasses to improve your sight and your sight has been at a steady level for 12 months or more laser surgery should be successful.

The cost of Laser Eye Correction varies depending on level of treatment you need and other determining factors but you can expect to pay between $800 and $1000 per eye. Usually, if you have both eyes done in same visit (There are no known problems with choosing to do this) then you can expect to pay a little less.

The possible risks of Laser Eye Correction.

As with all surgery there are small risks associated with Laser Eye Correction.

There is a very low risk of infection, affecting only around 1 in 5000 patients. Most surgeons and clinics will provide you with a course of antibiotics and check ups to ensure that your eyes are reacting well to surgery.

An enhancement may be required to correct your vision if surgery leads to over correction or under correction. Again, this is rare but still possible because everyone’s eyes are different. Some are softer than others and some harder. This can lead to under correction or over correction.

During a short period after treatment you may experience seeing halos around objects when viewed at night, but this should normally clear up after a week or so. If you continue to experience these problems then consult surgeon who completed your correction treatment for further advice.

If you directly touch or injure your eye immediately after surgery or within 24 hours you should consult your surgeon as this can lead to a shifting of flap that is created during treatment. A little care and attentiveness will prevent this from happening and almost any risk of shifting flaps is massively reduced after 24 hours.

Laser Eye Correction is now a mainstream treatment for masses. Many people who wear glasses or contact lenses have considered Laser Eye Correction because it is a painless, easy procedure that will fix your eyesight and alleviate need to wear glasses.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with treatment but they are minimal and consultation with your surgeon should allay any fears you may have.

©2005 Jenna Keys