Researchers who reviewed several studies of complications from both contact lenses and Lasik surgery have concluded that Lasik may actually be the safer option, in the long run.
Of course, like any surgery, Lasik has its risks. But they calculated the risk of significant loss of vision at 1 in 10,000 (0.01%).
Compare that to contact lens wearers who have approximately a 1 in 100 (1.0%) 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%) 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 lens 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 their nearest Laser Sight location, to see if Lasik is the better option for them.
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