Wearing glasses can be an inconvenience at times, especially if your are a physically active adult. There are, however, alternatives. Contacts and LASIK surgery can be perfect for the right person. Knowing the pros and cons of both will help you make he best decision for yourself.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can bean ideal option for those who don’t want to wear glasses full time and those who don’t or can’t undergo surgery.Most people today wear soft contact lenses made of silicone hydrogel but there are many different materials available. Contact lenses are also classified by wearing times or the amount of time you should keep them in your eyes. Some lenses can be worm overnight, some a few days and some even up to 30 days.

Contact Lens Facts

• Contact lenses require proper care and should be replaced regularly.
• Some people require custom made contact lenses.
• There is a variety of types of contact lenses to correct many different vision problems.
• There are many different lens features including bifocals, colored lenses, lenses for dry eyes, UV inhibiting lenses and prosthetic lenses.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK is the most commonly performed eye surgery to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The surgery involves reshaping the cornea so that light entering the eye can properly focus on the retina, resulting in clearer vision. Most patients report improved vision within the first 24 hours. LASIK is a popular option for those who want the convenience of maintenance-free vision.

LASIK Facts

• Both eyes can be done at the same appointment.
• LASIK procedure takes about up to 20 minutes per eye.
• LASIK patients must be age 18 or older.
• Many patients can achieve 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts after surgery.
• Recovery time can be as little a few days to a few weeks depending on how long it takes for your vision to stabilize.

Other Factors

Safety:

Contact lenses and LASIK eye surgery is safe for the majority of patients. Greatest risk associated with contact lenses is an eye infection, which can occur more frequently when lenses are worn overnight. For LASIK patients, side effects may include dry eyes and visual disturbances such as glare or halos.

Effectiveness:

Both options generally produce excellent vision quality. Some LASIK patients may still require glasses for specific activities like reading or night driving. Vision changes in contact lens wearers can usually be addressed by simply adjusting the lens prescription.

Cost:

For LASIK, the cost is about $1,500 to $2,500 per eye. Contact lenses can cost about $300 or more per year, depending on the type of contact lens your chose. When considering the cost factor, keep in mind that the amount you could spend over time on contact lenses could exceed the cost of LASIK surgery.

The Best Choice

No matter which you decide on, be sure to have an experienced eye doctor help you determine which option is best for you. And be certain to continue to have regular eye exams to detect vision changes or symptoms of eye disease early.

Source: carecredit.com

For more helpful eye care and vision care tips, please visit our main blog page.