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Is laser vision correction safer than long-term contact lens wear?

Is laser vision correction safer than long-term contact lens wear?

Contact lenses are a convenient option for vision correction. Many starting using them without realising there are some risks associated with wearing contact lenses. Studies have found that laser vision correction is as safe as extended contact lens use.

Contact lens wear long term has risks of

  • Eye Infections: Contact lens wearers are more susceptible to eye infections than non-wearers. Many studies have that found that the risk of microbial keratitis, a potentially sight-threatening eye infection, was amazingly up to 180 times higher in contact lens wearers than in those who underwent laser vision correction.
  • Corneal Neovascularization: Long-term contact lens use can lead to a condition known as corneal neovascularization, where blood vessels start growing into the cornea, leading to discomfort and vision problems.
  • Corneal Scarring: The constant friction between contact lenses and the cornea can result in micro-trauma, leading to corneal scarring over time affecting vision
  • Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): Is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye. GPC can lead to itching, discomfort, and blurred vision, making it uncomfortable for contact lens wearers.

The Safety of Laser Vision Correction (LVC)

  • Reduced Risk of Infections: According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), LASIK surgery carries a minimal risk of infection due to the absence of foreign bodies (i.e., contact lenses) interacting with the eye surface. The flap created during LASIK heals quickly, reducing the likelihood of microbial keratitis.
  • No Corneal Neovascularization: LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct vision, eliminating the need for contact lenses. Consequently, LASIK patients do not experience corneal neovascularization associated with prolonged lens wear, ensuring a clear and healthy cornea.
  • Minimal Risk of Corneal Scarring: While laser vision correction does involve corneal reshaping, the procedure is performed with utmost precision, minimizing trauma to the cornea. This precision means that corneal scarring is exceedingly rare in patients.
  • Avoidance of GPC: laser vision correction eliminates the need for contact lens wear altogether, thus completely avoiding the risk of GPC and the associated discomfort and vision problems.

While both long-term contact lens wear and LASIK or SMILE Pro offer vision correction, the risks associated with contact lenses over time are becoming increasingly evident. Laser Vision Correction surgery, provides a safer and more convenient once off alternative. Laser Vision Correction reduces the chances of eye infections, corneal neovascularization, corneal scarring, and conditions like GPC that contact lens wearers may face when using contact lenses over an extended time..

https://www.ohsu.edu/casey-eye-institute/lasik-vs-contact-lenses

https://ascrs.org/clinical-education/refractive

https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/lasik-satisfaction-vs-contact-lenses