Is LASIK surgery safer than wearing contacts?
LASIK has been successfully performed for over 20 years. With a total surgical time of less than five minutes per eye, this procedure can safely correct a patient’s vision. LASIK can correct vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
Are there risks or complications associated with LASIK surgery? Of course, there are risks in any surgical procedure. However, risks are minor, and complications can be corrected with additional treatment or enhancement. Less than 1% of patients have any complications. No one has ever gone blind from LASIK surgery in the United Statessisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.cc.
Are contact lenses safe? When used correctly, contact lenses are safe. Problems can arise from overuse or improper handling of contact lenses. A contact lens infection is very painful, and many patients who are considering LASIK have suffered an infection that has changed their willingness to wear contacts again.
You are 400 times more likely to go blind from improper use of contact lenses than from LASIK surgery.
If you are a contact lens wearer and start to notice blurry vision, redness or pain in the eye, excessive tearing or discharge from your eye, you may have a contact lens infection. If your contact lenses begin to feel uncomfortable or make your eyes irritated and dry, you may be becoming contact lens intolerant. You should see your eye doctor if you notice these issues from wearing your contacts. If the infection is left untreated, it may become serious and can cause loss of vision or blindness.
To reduce your chances of contact lens-related infections avoid these risk factors*:
- Overuse of extended-wear lenses
- Sleeping in your contact lenses
- Environmental factors, such as dirt, dust & debris
- Poor hygiene and maintenance of contact lens cases
- Reusing or topping off contact lens solution
- Improper hand washing prior to using lenses
sources: *American Academy of Ophthalmology