Contact lenses or laser vision correction? What to choose?

Contact lenses appeared as early as in the 1950s. Laser vision correction has a much shorter history, as it dates back to the late 1980s. Regardless of their origins, there has recently been significant progress in both fields. Contact lenses are currently produced from far better materials, which is why they are soft, “breathing” and hypoallergic, hence much safer. Laser technologies have noticeably improved as well, which in turn has almost completely eliminated any risk involved in the procedure.

So what is more recommendable – contact lenses or laser vision correction? Everything depends on individual needs; however, let’s have a closer look at both options.
 

A solution for everyone

It is widely believed that everyone can wear contact lenses – as opposed to the laser vision correction procedure, to which there are a few contraindications. Nonetheless, it is not the truth, but one of the myths that have been passed on for years. The adaptation period is said to last no longer than two days, yet in reality approximately 20% of patients are completely unable to adapt to wearing contact lenses, let alone those allergic to the materials the lenses are made of. In case of laser vision correction, provided that we are eligible for the procedure, we have a chance to improve our life quality and comfort after regaining better eyesight, at the same time permanently freeing ourselves from glasses and contact lenses.

Safety

Laser vision correction is one of the safest procedures performed around the world. The risk of any possible post-surgical complications is estimated to be only 0,1%. What does the situation look like in case of contact lenses? At first glance, they appear to be a safe, yet it is worth to take certain aspects into consideration. First of all, no matter how carefully we follow hygiene rules for contact lenses wearers, there is always a probability of developing infectious complications such as bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis. Additionally, all types of contact lenses partially prevent oxygen from reaching the cornea. What may it result in? For instance, one of the consequences may be so-called "ingrown blood vessels" – a classic symptom of corneal oxygen deficiency. It usually affects those patients who have been wearing contact lenses for more than 5 years.

Comfort

An active lifestyle, practising sports or even performing simple, everyday activities make people replace glasses with contact lenses. This solution may seem ideal, but there are still situations when contact lenses cause some difficulties – for example for travel lovers who enjoy spending holidays in conditions which make maintaining appropriate eye hygiene virtually impossible. Moreover, we still wake up and fall asleep with limited visual field, not to mention situations when contact lenses start to irritate the eyes, roll up, and so on. Once we decide to undergo laser vision correction, we no longer have to face such problems.

A solution for the whole life?

Contact lenses may theoretically be worn all life; however, in reality many people at the age of about 40-45 have to stop wearing soft contact lenses. Firstly, with the years the content and quality of tears change, which prevents normal perception of contact lenses by the eyes. Secondly, after 45 we begin to develop presbyopia (or so-called senile far-sightedness), which forces us to wear glasses with contact lenses anyway.

So what is better – contact lenses or laser vision correction? Have you chosen yet?

Check by filling in the preliminary qualification form available ONLINE and find out whether you could consider laser vision correction for yourself.

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