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If you’re a long-time wearer of prescription glasses and are looking for an alternative way to clear up your blurry vision, contact lenses and LASIK are likely to be at the top of your list for options to check out. If you’re a long-time contact lens wearer, you may be wondering if you can ditch the red eyes and lost contacts by getting LASIK.

To help you make an informed decision on whether LASIK or contact lenses are the right option for you, we’re going to discuss the reasons why someone may choose one over the other. 

LASIK – The Good & The Bad

LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a permanent vision correction procedure that corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as astigmatism. This is a simple procedure that reshapes your eye’s cornea so that it can focus better. A lot of individuals who choose LASIK end up having their dependence on glasses or contact lenses reduced significantly, and in most cases, eliminate the need for them at all. 

The Good?

  • LASIK is a long-term solution, meaning you don’t need to worry about replacing anything, purchasing a new prescription, or losing your vision correction lenses or eyeglasses. This is the longest-lasting solution that is currently available.  
  • LASIK also has the bonus of eliminating your need to keep track of your glasses or contact lenses. Since you’re unlikely to have these items after LASIK, you don’t need to worry about bringing along spare lenses or contact fluid to store your lenses in. Plus, you can go swimming, or hit up the sauna without worry! You can’t do this with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
  • If you’ve always been one to hate sticking a finger near your eye, then you’re in luck here. LASIK does not require you to put anything near your eyes. The bonus with this is that you also have less risk of infection as well since you won’t need to constantly put in contact lenses – no dirt or debris to cause infections. 

The Bad?

  • As with all surgical treatments, there is a risk of infection and complications. Unlike contact lenses though, this is a one-time risk, as LASIK is usually done only once in a person’s lifetime. 
  • Right after LASIK treatment, your eyes may feel a little dry while your eyes go through the healing process. Using some preservative-free artificial tears will make this part of the process more comfortable. 
  • There may come a time when your vision changes slightly after LASIK. Your surgeon may recommend a LASIK enhancement to get you back to your vision goal. 

Contact Lenses – The Good & The Bad

For those who are unfamiliar with contact lenses, these are corrective lenses that are to be worn on the front of the eye.  Unfortunately, these are not a long-term solution, and must be re-purchased when you are running low. A lot of individuals choose to get disposable contact lenses as these do not have to be cleaned and come in a sterile solution. There are monthly lenses that you can buy, but you do have to clean them. Contact lenses work to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

The Good? 

  • There are numerous types of contact lenses, ensuring that almost anyone can wear them. You can even get colored ones! This is an advantage over LASIK, as LASIK requires you to be free of many eye conditions like uncontrolled diabetes and corneal abrasions.  
  • If you are an eyeglasses wearer and enjoy your glasses but want something that will allow you to play sports or enjoy a less restrictive field of view, then contact lenses are a great solution for those who want to switch back and forth. If you go with LASIK here, there is a much less likelihood that you will need glasses unless it is for night vision, reading, or occasional use. 

The Bad?

  • If you are squeamish about having anything near your eyes, then contact lenses are likely to be a hard pass for you. They require you to put them in and take them out – no sleeping with them in!  
  • There is a risk of infection with contact lenses, as you may get microscopic dirt or debris on them without noticing. If you get an eye infection, this needs to be seen right away, as it can become very serious if left untreated. You will either need to clean your contact lenses daily or purchase disposable ones. 
  • They can be inconvenient in that they get lost very easily, and they can fall out. You’ll need to carry spare lenses and cleaning fluid with you.  

What’s the next step?

If you’re ready to get out of those contacts and find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK, or just want to learn more, schedule your free consultation with Magruder Laser Vision. You’ll get to meet with one of our renowned surgeons and learn about what options are right for you.