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subject: Laser Eye Treatments Vs Contact Lenses [print this page]


The primary enticement of having laser eye treatment is the freedom of not wearing eyeglasses for the rest of your life. Wearing contact lenses is also another means to experience this kind of freedom.

So which is better, laser eye treatment or contact lenses?

The two methods to rectify vision both have its own advantages and disadvantages.

For individuals who always get continuously changing prescriptions, refractive procedure is not suited for them. The basis for this is soon after the operation your vision will most probably change again, leading to the need for spectacles, contact lenses or more operation. Disposable contact lenses can be purchased in small quantities (e.g. 3-6 months at a time) and before purchasing, the prescription for the contact lenses can be simply updated.

Individuals who also extremely high prescriptions cannot resort to laser eye procedure to completely their vision. Disposable contact lenses have limitations as well, but these restrictions can correct a wider range of prescriptions. Conventional (or yearly) contact lenses can be specially made to suit even higher prescriptions.

Individuals who have irregularly-shaped corneas (front of the eye) will also be rejected for laser eye treatment as this kind of surgery cannot correct this eye condition. This often happens when the eyes are injured or acquired certain eye diseases that affect the cornea. RGP (rigid gas permeable or hard) contact lenses are used here. Due to the stiff nature of the material, the contact lens vaults over the uneven cornea, efficiently creating a fresh, smooth front surface. This in turn gives greater visual clarity compared to soft contact lenses.

Although the above three points seem to suggest the superiority of contact lenses, there are disadvantages to it. This is where the advantages of laser eye treatment shine.

Contact lenses involve habitual maintenance. Insertion and removal as well as cleaning and maintaining contact lenses can be a trouble. In comparison to laser eye surgery, once the eye is healed, no further maintenance is essential.

Contact lens wear requires the placement of a relatively big foreign body into the eye. These plastic pieces are often in eyes for long hours. Wearing contact lenses for lengthy periods make individuals more susceptible to eye infections. The risk becomes especially higher if one sleeps while wearing contact lenses or fails to properly maintain them. Again, laser eye operation needs no further maintenance once the eye heals.

Many could do with the freedom from glasses for activities such as sports. Rough sports like kickboxing rugby and even swimming can easily dislodge contact lenses. You can even misplace your contact lenses during these activities! This is not a problem after laser eye treatment.

Comparing contact lenses against laser eye treatment will result to many advantages and disadvantages within the two. To find out if laser eye surgery or contact lenses is right for you, make an appointment with your local optometrist for more personal advice.

by: MarieS0407




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