Here is a topic that we deal with on a daily basis, and perhaps you have even considered it once or twice.
We wanted to have an open discussion with our readers about LASIK and how they feel about it in relation to wearing contacts, as that is usually a day-to-day struggle.
Because contact lenses are so commonly used, many people assume that they are safe.
In fact, many people (including some eye professionals) felt that contacts were safer than laser vision correction surgery (LASIK) until the last 10 years or so.
This is where the experts at Slade & Baker Vision want to share some key facts from an extensive literature review of various studies published between 2014 and 2015. (Masters et al., JCRS 2017 Jan;43(1):67-73.)
The review of the medical literature indicated that:
- Use of any non-daily disposable contact for 1 year appears to be associated with 3 times the risk of having a bacterial infection in the cornea compared with LASIK.
- Even the use of daily disposable contact lenses for 5 years appears to be associated with 3 times the risk of having a bacterial infection in the cornea compared with LASIK.
- The use of daily disposable contact lenses for 1 year is not statistically different in bacterial infection risk from LASIK!
What does this tell us? The proof is in the data!
We knew daily disposables would eliminate the risk of infection compared to non-disposable contact lenses, however when compared to LASIK, infection is up with the contact lenses.
Many of our patients share that when debating whether to go for LASIK, they think about comparing the disadvantages and advantages with their current vision correction choice – which for many is Contact Lenses.
If you have any questions about LASIK vs. Contact Lenses, we are here to answer them! Just call us at 713-626-5544 or shoot us a quick question at info@visiontexas.com. We are happy to talk with you about your concerns and offer a free LASIK screening where you can meet with the doctor and feel ‘pressure-free’ while weighing all the options prior to making a LASIK decision!
