Both these renditions are not really a style I would generally pursue for myself but can see the appeal. Specially the darker one as I tend to favor darker, moodier images. I do feel they can use some contrast to let the lighter areas come forward a little more (first image) and to enrich the shades of gray (second image).
As for your eye surgery... My wife is going through similar issues, hence her backing out of joining us. Her surgery is scheduled for Sept 20th. The doctor told her no heavy lifting for a week after the surgery, and a few other things to avoid. I tried using that as the excuse for her coming out with us. After all, being on an island with nothing to do, out in the fresh ocean air... nothing but pure healing there. She didn't buy it. Too afraid of being away from home. I told her to ask her doctor about going and if he clears her she doesn't have an excuse.
