LASIK

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

Is LASIK Safer than Contact Lenses?

Northwest findings

Contact lens users are more likely to develop complications, which can result in future vision loss, according to researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University's Casey Eye Institute. The researchers reviewed multiple studies that concluded that those who wear contact lenses face a 1 in 100 chance of developing a serious lens-related eye infection in 30 years of use, and a 1 in 2,000 chance of experiencing dramatic vision loss as a result of their contact use.

The chances of LASIK surgery leading to substantial vision loss is about 1 in 1,000, according to researchers in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology.

The main reason that people develop injuries associated with contact lenses is because they don't take strict precautions. For example, maybe they don't wash their hands every time before applying contacts. However, infections can occur even when all principles of proper use are followed.

Apples to oranges

But it's difficult to compare LASIK surgery to contact lenses, because the comparisons are not equal - it's comparing apples to oranges. For example, a contact lens user faces a lower rate of complications, but endures a risk that prevails for as long as he or she wears contacts; whereas a LASIK patient is often permanently stable six months or a year following surgery.

Armed Forces study

A study of more than 32,000 members of the U.S. Armed forces who underwent laser eye surgery found no vision loss greater than two lines from 20/20. Of the 18,000 procedures performed over ten years, not one suffered from any type of infection.

Fungus among us

Severe outbreaks of untreatable infections by Acanthemoeba from contact lenses prevailed throughout the United States just five years ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The effects were drastic. Many eyes went blind and some required removal. Recently, the CDC reported another epidemic of an untreatable Fusarium fungus germ with similar vision loss.

While lenses are becoming more harmful, LASIK is becoming more and more advanced. While laser eye surgery did in fact have higher risks years ago, the procedure has undergone diligent work by doctors and industry leaders. This has resulted in an incredibly low risk of complications with LASIK surgery. The procedure is practiced by experienced and knowledgeable surgeons, and deemed by many as a safer alternative to contact lenses.

Serving the residents of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, Dr. Gary Kawesch and his team of experienced optometrists and friendly staff can help you see clearly once again. If you are interested in correcting your vision once and for all, please contact our office today.

1.800.725.0740