Laser eye surgery may be safer than contact lenses

Laser eye surgery may be safer than contact lenses

Researchers who reviewed several studies of complications from both contact lenses and laser eye surgery have concluded that laser eye surgery may actually be the safer option in the long run.

Of course, like any surgery, laser eye surgery has its risks. But they calculated the risk of significant loss of vision to be 1 in 10,000 (0.01 per cent).

Compare that to contact lens wearers who have approximately a 1 in 100 (1.0 per cent) risk of developing a serious contact lens-related eye infection over 30 years of use.

They also have about a 1 in 2,000 (0.05 per cent) chance of significant vision loss as a result of a contact lens-related eye infection over the same period.

Direct comparison is difficult, as complications due to surgery are evident immediately, whereas the risks associated with contact lenses accumulate over years. But they concluded that almost all contact lens wearers suffer some form of infection, even if the proper lens wear and lens care guidelines are followed.

The Medical Journal of Australia has also reported that coloured and novelty contact lenses lead to unsafe practices such as wearing lenses overnight, sharing of lenses, and poor lens hygiene.

Contact lens wearers should have an assessment at Medownick Laser Eye Clinic, to see if laser eye surgery is the better option for them.

To discuss how we can improve your vision with laser eye surgery, call us on 1800 37 39 37, or email us to organise your free, no-obligation assessment today.