Most patients who suffer from refractive errors would like to correct their vision as precisely as possible. Many patients feel conflicted about whether to undergo LASIK procedure or to continue wearing contact lenses as a corrective measure. For many, LASIK surgery is actually a better alternative to contact lenses or eye glasses. People began wearing contact lenses because it helped them have a more active, unhindered life. Even today, many people believe that contact lenses are better than LASIK because wearing contact lenses does not involve undergoing a surgical procedure; however, Dr. William Boothe recommends LASIK as a safer alternative and better choice in comparison to contact lenses.
Contact lenses have many advantages when compared to eye glasses. By wearing contact lenses, the face’s physical appearance does not change. Since there is no hindrance from eyeglass frames, contact lenses provide a full field of vision. According to studies, however, the risks associated with contact lens use are much higher than the risks associated with LASIK eye surgery. Contact lenses are a foreign body placed inside the eyes, which increases the risk of infection and complication. Thus, wearers of contact lenses suffer from a higher rate of infection than LASIK patients. Contact lens users are prone to neovascularization, corneal ulcers, and other similar eye conditions.
There are complications associated with the LASIK procedure, but most of them are minor and can be corrected. According to research studies, the risk of eye infection from contact lens use is one in 2,000, whereas with LASIK only one out of 10,000 patients is at risk. Furthermore, the number of complications related to LASIK eye procedure is constantly diminishing with the advancement of technologies. The bladeless procedure and new generation microkeratomes are providing a higher level of accuracy and improved safety to patients. CustomVue LASIK, for example, is a new technology that provides better vision and reduces night time vision problems.
LASIK procedure may result in dry eyes, but it will disappear within 3 to 6 months. At the same time, contact lens users also experience dry eyes which can gradually result in the intolerance of contact lenses. This intolerance can lead to eye irritation and reduce the wearing time of contact lenses. The LASIK procedure can be performed at an average price of $2,200 for each eye. Contact lens users spend more than $10,000 on contact lens use, including the cost of lenses, resolving associated complications, and attending regular check-ups to maintain a valid prescription.
Dr. William Boothe says that LASIK surgical procedure is a long term investment, but it saves money, time, and provides more freedom and safety to the individual. Dependable, lasting vision can be achieved with the help of LASIK. By using contact lens, there will always be the risk of a lens popping out of the eye, thus causing vision impairment at any moment. Contact lenses also require daily cleaning, whereas LASIK provides a long term, hassle-free solution. Taking these factors into consideration, it is easy to see why the LASIK surgical procedure is a superior solution to contact lens use. Dr. Boothe is a skilled surgeon who can complete the LASIK procedure precisely and efficiently.