Revealing the risk factors for using contact lenses vs getting LASIK.
There has been a debate about the safety and risk factors between contact lenses and LASIK surgery. Dr. Horn often must educate potential LASIK patients about the perceived safety of their contact lenses. Often, they were unaware of the dangers of contacts and are surprised to learn that there is much less risk with laser vision correction.
Which Is Safer: Contact Lenses or LASIK?
The answer to this question is it’s best to look at risk factors for infection. Contact lens users are prone to bacterial infections due to improper lens hygiene. Approximately 1 in 100 wearers risk vision loss from bacteria, such as keratitis, for those who wear contacts daily for 30 years. Compared to patients who undergo LASIK, the risk of vision loss due to infection is 1 in 10,000.
LASIK is performed by highly trained eye surgeons, like Dr. Horn. Vision for Life uses the WaveLight EX500 LASIK laser (the most state-of-the-art LASIK laser) and a highly trained surgical staff, which minimizes what is already a very low risk procedure.
Furthermore, we should note that a one-time vision correction procedure involves far less risk than putting in contacts thousands of times over the course of one’s life. So getting LASIK is a safer and less risky option when thinking long term.
Free LASIK Consultation
The best way to determine if LASIK is right for you follow the link below for your complimentary LASIK consultation.
However, if you are not quite ready to schedule a consultation, please feel free to call us at 615-588-2020.
