Choosing between LASIK eye surgery and contact lenses is a decision many individuals face when looking for long-term vision correction.
Both methods have their benefits, but understanding the long-term safety implications is crucial for making an informed choice. Here, we will dive into the pros and cons of each option, focusing on their safety over time.
Overview of LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK surgery is a type of laser eye surgery designed to correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
The procedure reshapes the cornea to potentially improve how the eye focuses light on the retina, offering patients the potential for long-lasting, clearer vision.
Potential Benefits:
- One-time procedure
- Often fast recovery, typically within a few days
- No ongoing maintenance like contact lenses
- May reduce risk of eye infections compared to contacts
Potential risks:
- Dry eyes are common initially but usually resolve
- Rare complications like halos, glare, or under-correction
- LASIK may not be suitable for people with thin corneas or certain eye health conditions
Contact Lenses: Ongoing Maintenance and Risks
Contact lenses have been a popular choice for millions of people who require vision correction. However, long-term contact lens use requires constant care and adherence to strict hygiene routines to avoid complications.
Potential benefits:
- Non-surgical
- Corrects a wide range of refractive errors
- Can be worn or removed as needed
- Suitable for people who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery
Potential risks:
- Possible increased risk of eye infections, especially without proper cleaning
- Long-term costs for cleaning solutions and lens replacements
- Ongoing maintenance is required to prevent complications
- Potential for corneal damage due to improper use or insufficient care
- Possible higher risk of developing conditions like dry eyes, redness, or discomfort over time
Comparing Long-Term Safety: LASIK vs Contacts
Risk of Eye Infections
One of the major concerns for contact lens wearers is the risk of eye infections, such as keratitis (corneal infection). Studies suggest that contact lens users who do not adhere to proper hygiene practices may be at a higher risk for infections that can lead to permanent vision damage.
This risk may increase with long-term contact lens use, especially when proper cleaning and care are not followed. Sleeping in contact lenses also increases the risk of infection. Swimming in contact lenses is risky, as there are water borne infections that can be severe.
On the other hand, LASIK eye surgery may have a lower long-term infection risk. While there is an initial risk of infection post-surgery, this is typically well-managed with prescribed eye drops and hygiene practices during the recovery period.
Once healed, there may be no ongoing risk of infections, potentially making LASIK a safer long-term option in this regard.
Eye Health and Corneal Changes
Contact lenses rest directly on the cornea, and over time, they may affect its health. Long-term contact lens wear could lead to corneal swelling, irritation, and even corneal neovascularization (growth of blood vessels into the cornea), which may affect vision.
In contrast, LASIK surgery permanently reshapes the cornea in a controlled manner to attempt to correct vision. While rare complications like ectasia (thinning of the cornea) can occur post-surgery, advancements in LASIK technology and pre-screening aim to reduce these risks.
Ongoing Costs and Maintenance
Those who wear contact lenses require continuous spending on cleaning solutions, lens replacements, and potentially prescription updates. Over time, these ongoing costs can add up, and the hassle of daily lens care can become tiresome.
LASIK surgery, on the other hand, is a one-time investment. While the upfront cost is higher, it may eliminate the need for contact lens purchases, cleaning solutions, and ongoing maintenance. Additionally, LASIK patients often report better vision without the daily need for corrective lenses.
How To Book LASIK
To request a lasik consultation or if you have an enquiry, 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
Is LASIK safer than wearing contact lenses?
Both LASIK eye surgery and wearing contact lenses can be safe when proper care and instructions are followed. However, in the long term, LASIK may reduce risks associated with contact lens users, such as infections caused by improper use of contact lens solutions. The surgical procedure of LASIK offers potential permanent vision correction, reducing the need for daily lens wear, and can be considered as an alternative for those tired of wearing contacts.
What are the ongoing costs of wearing contact lenses?
Being a contact lens user involves frequent purchases of contact lens solution, replacement lenses, and storage cases. Over time, these ongoing costs accumulate, especially for individuals who prefer daily disposables. In contrast, the one-time cost of LASIK may be more economical in the long run, with fewer expenses compared to a contact lens wearer or those who wear prescription glasses.
How long does LASIK last?
The results from LASIK are often long-lasting, offering potential permanent refractive surgery benefits for most patients. However, over time, age-related changes, such as correcting astigmatism or presbyopia, may still require additional vision correction. In most cases, LASIK patients may not need to return to wearing contacts or glasses after their surgical procedure.
Can contact lenses cause long-term eye damage?
Improper use of contact lenses, such as failing to follow corrective lens care routines or not using the right contact lens solutions, may lead to long-term eye health problems. Wearing contacts for extended periods without proper care could increase the risk of infections, dryness, and even corneal scarring. In contrast, LASIK and other forms of laser vision correction, offer a one-time solution for the correction of refractive errors. This potentially minimises the ongoing risks associated with contact lens use.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
