Contact lenses and LASIK eye surgery represent two of the most common solutions for correcting refractive errors. While contact lenses have been a staple in vision correction for decades, LASIK surgery offers a long-term solution that might appeal to those seeking a permanent alternative to daily lens wear. Read on to find out all you need to know about contact lenses vs LASIK.
Comparing Costs: Contact Lenses vs LASIK
When evaluating the costs of contact lenses and LASIK surgery, it’s important to consider long-term expenditures. The recurring costs of contact lenses, which include purchasing new lenses, contact lens solutions and routine eye exams, can accumulate significantly over time. In contrast, LASIK surgery requires a higher initial investment but typically does not incur ongoing costs, making it economically favourable in the long run.
Convenience and Lifestyle Considerations
For many contact lens wearers, the daily routine of cleaning, inserting and removing lenses can be cumbersome. Issues such as eye infections or the inconvenience of needing contact lens solution and storage cases when travelling can detract from the appeal of wearing contact lenses.
LASIK eye surgery on the other hand involves a brief, one-time surgical procedure. Post-surgery, patients experience a dramatic improvement in vision, eliminating the need for contact lenses or glasses. This one-time inconvenience is minimal compared to the daily hassles of contact lens use.
Safety and Risk Factors
Long-term use of contact lenses can increase the risk of complications like bacterial infections and corneal ulcers, especially if lenses are not properly cared for or worn too long. Sleeping or swimming with contact lenses is also very risky. Comparatively, with laser vision correction the risk of significant complications is low. The procedure also has a high success rate, with the majority of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better.
Quality of Life Improvements after LASIK
LASIK surgery significantly enhances quality of life by eliminating the dependence on corrective lenses. Patients enjoy clear vision upon waking and greater freedom in daily activities, including sports and travel, without the hassles of wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Making the Right Choice for Your Eyes
Selecting the right vision correction option requires careful evaluation of your eye health, lifestyle and age. A comprehensive eye exam by a qualified ophthalmologist and laser subspecialist surgeon like Dr Kumar is crucial to determine if conditions like severe dry eyes or other ocular issues preclude you from having LASIK. There are also other surgical options for correction, such as SMILE, ASLA or Implantable Collamer Lenses.
Active individuals and those in professions demanding unaided clear vision may find LASIK particularly beneficial. Additionally, while young adults may consider LASIK a valuable long-term investment, older adults should assess how the surgery aligns with potential age-related eye changes.
Why Many Opt for LASIK
Many choose LASIK for its potential to provide perfect vision permanently, alongside a high success rate and quick recovery. Financially, the initial cost is offset by the long-term savings from not needing to buy glasses or contact lenses repeatedly. Technological advancements have also made LASIK safer and more customisable, enhancing its accessibility.
Overall, LASIK offers a transformative improvement in life quality, freeing individuals from the daily inconveniences and costs associated with traditional vision correction methods.
How to book your FREE LASIK assessment
To book your free LASIK assessment, please contact us via the following ways:
Call or message us: +6129 222 9188
Email us: reception@visionclinicsydney.com.au
Book online via our website
FAQs
If you have any more questions about contact lenses vs LASIK, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime see our FAQs below that may provide you with the additional information you’re looking for.
Can you wear contacts 10 years after LASIK?
Yes, if needed, contact lens users can wear contact lenses after LASIK to correct minor vision changes that might occur over time.
Is laser eye surgery safer than wearing contact lenses?
While both options have their risks, laser eye surgery presents a one-time risk, whereas wearing contact lenses involves ongoing risks of infection and complications.
Why should you not wear contacts before LASIK?
Contact lens users must avoid wearing contact lenses before LASIK, as they can alter the cornea’s shape, impacting the accuracy of measurements during the pre-surgical exam.
Who should not have laser eye surgery?
Individuals with certain eye diseases, unstable vision, or severe dry eyes may not be suitable candidates for LASIK surgery. This includes those who typically wear glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision.
How long is LASIK recovery?
Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days after LASIK, though it may take several weeks for their vision to fully stabilise.
