Which is Safer: Lasik Eye Surgery or Wearing Contacts?

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available, yet many people still worry that the procedure is riskier than wearing contacts. While laser eye surgery does carry certain risks, recent evidence is showing that contacts are not necessarily safer than surgical treatments. In fact, some experts have even suggested that contact lenses pose greater long-term risks to vision than laser vision correction.

So which option is right for you? Start by consider the potential benefits and risks of each alternative. Next, discuss your concerns with an eye care professional. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you will be able to make the decision that is right for your needs, budget and lifestyle.

Contact Lens vs. LASIK Safety

While contact lenses are generally seen as a safer alternative than surgery, recent research is shedding new light on the long-term impact of wearing corrective lenses. After reviewing a number of large-scale studies, ophthalmologist William Mathers found that people who wear contact lenses have a more serious danger experiencing significant vision loss. Daily contact wearers have a 1 in 100 chance of developing an infection. In addition to this danger, there is a 1 in 2,000 chance that contact wearers will experience vision loss.

So how does that compare with the risks associated with LASIK surgery? According to results published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, the risk of vision loss with laser eye surgery is only 1 in 10,000. Based upon these estimations, it is likely that contact lenses actually pose more of a safety concern than LASIK.

Reducing the Risk

While this new data means that LASIK may be the safer choice, not every patient is eligible for laser eye surgery. Due to age, health and eye characteristics, contacts are often the best option for some individuals. However, there are a number of steps that people can take to reduce the risk of vision loss caused by contact lens wear. First and foremost, contact wearers should always follow the recommendations of their eye care professional. Simple steps like washing hands before inserting contact lenses can dramatically reduce the risk of vision-threatening infections.

For patients who do choose to undergo LASIK, there are also steps that can be taken to significantly lower the risk of complications and negative results. Some possible risks include overcorrection, undercorrection and poor night vision following surgery. First, all surgical candidates should be carefully screened by a qualified professional to determine if LASIK is the best choice. Additionally, all patients should carefully follow the recommendations of their doctor concerning postoperative care.