Lasik vs. Contacts: Which Is Safer?
- Posted on: Aug 15 2014
Image Credit: arztsamui
via FreeDigitalPhotos.net
One of the most common concerns of patients who are looking into having LASIK at the Roholt Vision Institute is whether or not it’s riskier than contact lenses. Comparing both may be akin to comparing apples to oranges. Why is this so? LASIK involves surgery while wearing contact lenses isn’t. As with all types of surgery, complications may arise within a year following the procedure while contact lens users often find themselves at risk for complications as long as as they’re wearing contact lenses.
What Research Has to Say
A study by the Casey Eye Institute team at the Oregon Health and Science University researchers compared the chances of complications between those who undergo LASIK surgery and long-term contact lens users. By and large, the team found out that vision loss is far greater than long-term contact lens users than those who undergo refractive surgery such as LASIK. Specifically, the study found out that vision loss in contact lens wearers is often a result of eye infection such as bacterial keratitis.
However, the research is not implying that people should stop wearing contact lenses in favor of the LASIK procedure. Instead, they are encouraging people to practice proper contact lens care such as not sleeping with your contacts on as this can further deprived the eyes of oxygen and may increase one’s chances of vision loss. In addition, continuous development in contact lens technology may also reduce the risk of infection in the next few years.
Free LASIK Consultation at the Roholt Vision Institute
If you’ve been considering LASIK for a while now, we invite you to our 2 hour Free LASIK consultation to help determine if you are a candidate for LASIK! Contact lens wearers must be out of contacts for 2 weeks for soft contacts and 4 weeks for gas permeable types prior to consultation. Call us at 330-305-2200 today to set up an appointment. We look forward to helping you improve your life through vision correction!
Posted in: Contact Lenses, LASIK, Preventive Eye Care