LASIK vs. Contact Lenses: How Can I Best Improve My Vision

Dr. Jerry Maida is one of the leading eye care specialists in Jacksonville, offering state-of-the-art eye care treatment performed with exceptional safety and accuracy. One of the most popular treatment options is LASIK, a refractive surgery procedure that eliminates the need for glasses and contact lenses. Still, common eye care solutions such as glasses and contacts may prove more effective for some patients.

Let’s take this opportunity to compare LASIK to contact lenses so you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Refractive Errors: What LASIK and Contacts Can Both Treat

LASIK surgery and contact lenses are both great options to consider treating refractive errors. Refractive errors involve issues with the way that light passes through the eye and focus on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

You may know refractive errors better by the following names:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism

About LASIK Surgery

LASIK is a refractive surgery procedure. The surgery is performed to reshape the cornea, the clear, frontal, topmost portion of the eye. By reshaping the cornea, light passes through the eyes properly and focuses on the retina as it ought to.

LASIK is one if a few surgery that use lasers to reshape the cornea. Common and popular LASIK alternatives such as PRK and LASEK all operate on similar principles. Patients who undergo LASIK or the alternative procedures that are similar routinely achieve 20/40 vision or better; many achieve 20/20 vision, and sometimes vision better than 20/20.

Ideal Candidates for LASIK Surgery

The best candidates for LASIK are over the age of 18 and have had a stable prescription for the last year or so. Their eyes should be free from injury or infection over the last year, and they should not currently be pregnant or nursing. Patients who have dry eye syndrome will not be able to undergo LASIK.

About Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are one of the tried and true options for treating refractive errors of various kinds. These lenses come in various forms, able to improve the passage of light through the eyes.

Ideal Candidates for Contact Lenses

Candidacy for contact lenses is very broad. Since contacts involve no surgery or invasive therapy, many people can receive them. Candidacy for certain kinds of contacts can vary from patient to patient and can be discussed in more detail when you meet with an eye care specialist.

Advantages of LASIK Over Contact Lenses

With LASIK, patients don’t have to worry about cleaning lenses, purchasing new lenses, or buying any cleaning solution. LASIK allows people to see clearly without any hassles whatsoever.

Advantages of Contact Lenses over LASIK

The nature of LASIK means that certain people cannot undergo the procedure for a variety of reasons, whether due to pregnancy or dry eye syndrome. In addition, LASIK is much more expensive than contact lenses, meaning that the cost may keep people away from undergoing the proccedure.

Weigh Your Vision Correction Options Carefully

During a consultation with a skilled ophthalmologist, you will be able to receive ample information about all of your treatment options. By getting all of the information that you need, you will be able to make a confident decision about your eye care needs that will allow you to see clearly.

Learn More About LASIK Surgery

For more information about LASIK, contact lenses, and other options for vision correction, it’s important that you contact our laser vision correction center today. Dr. Jerry Maida and the team at the practice will help you undergo the proper treatment so you can see clearly.