Memories are the most volatile part of semiconductors, so improvements in memories are important to driving overall semiconductor growth, alongwith growth in semiconductor capital equipment.
Alongwith anything else that reminds a person of the trauma, these intrusive memories produce profound psychological distress and physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart.
The Bricklayer, whom he sees alongwith kaleidoscopic flashes resulting from a torn retina, is his link to his horrific memories and the home that he left, and he is terrified that eye surgery will sever this connection forever.