Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,156,694 members, 7,831,156 topics. Date: Friday, 17 May 2024 at 02:35 PM

Laser Eye Surgery Vs. Contact Lenses: Weighing The Pros And Cons - Health - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Health / Laser Eye Surgery Vs. Contact Lenses: Weighing The Pros And Cons (186 Views)

10 Do’s And Don’ts After Laser Eye Surgery / My HIV Journey In Nigeria Vs US (Pros And Cons) / Indian Doctors Remove ‘World’s Largest Ovarian Tumour’ Weighing 50kg From Woman (2) (3) (4)

(1) (Reply)

Laser Eye Surgery Vs. Contact Lenses: Weighing The Pros And Cons by Jbjones: 3:21pm On Nov 18, 2023
When it comes to achieving clear vision, there are various options available, but two of the most popular choices are laser eye surgery and contact lenses. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and deciding between them can be a tough decision. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of laser eye surgery and compare it with the use of contact lenses. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of which option might be the best fit for your lifestyle and vision needs.

Laser Eye Surgery: A Closer Look

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a medical procedure designed to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The most common types of laser eye surgery are LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).

Pros of Laser Eye Surgery

Permanent Vision Correction: One of the most significant advantages of laser eye surgery is its ability to provide permanent vision correction. Once the procedure is complete, many patients enjoy clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Quick Results: Laser eye surgery often provides rapid results, with improved vision typically noticed within a day or two after the procedure.

Freedom from Glasses and Contacts: Say goodbye to the daily hassle of cleaning, inserting, and removing contact lenses or the constant search for your misplaced glasses. Laser eye surgery can offer the freedom from these inconveniences.

Cost Savings in the Long Run: While the initial cost of laser eye surgery may be higher than purchasing contact lenses, it can be cost-effective in the long term since you won't need to buy contact lenses or glasses regularly.

Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Some patients report improved peripheral vision after laser eye surgery, which can be especially beneficial for athletes and individuals with active lifestyles.

Cons of Laser Eye Surgery

Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are inherent risks involved with laser eye surgery, including infection, dry eyes, and overcorrection or undercorrection of vision.

Not Suitable for Everyone: Not everyone is a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery. Factors like age, eye health, and prescription strength can impact eligibility.

Cost Barrier: The upfront cost of laser eye surgery can be prohibitive for some individuals, as it may not be covered by insurance.

Recovery Time: While recovery is relatively quick, some patients may experience temporary discomfort, dry eyes, or sensitivity to light during the healing process.

Contact Lenses: A Convenient Alternative

Contact lenses have been a popular choice for vision correction for many years. They are small, curved, and placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct various vision problems.

Pros of Contact Lenses

Non-Invasive: Contact lenses are a non-invasive option, making them suitable for individuals who are hesitant about surgical procedures.

Variety of Options: There is a wide range of contact lenses available, including daily disposables, extended wear lenses, and colored lenses for those looking to change their eye color.

Flexibility: Contact lenses can be easily removed and replaced, allowing you to switch between them and glasses as needed.

No Recovery Time: Unlike laser eye surgery, there is no recovery time associated with contact lenses. You can start wearing them immediately.

Suitable for All Prescriptions: Contact lenses are available for individuals with a wide range of prescription strengths.

Cons of Contact Lenses

Daily Maintenance: Contact lenses require daily maintenance, including cleaning, disinfecting, and storing them properly. Neglecting these tasks can lead to eye infections or discomfort.

Ongoing Costs: The cost of purchasing contact lenses, along with cleaning solutions and cases, can add up over time.

Risk of Infection: Improper handling or extended wear of contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections.

Discomfort: Some people find contact lenses uncomfortable to wear, particularly in dry or dusty environments.

Limited Peripheral Vision: Unlike laser eye surgery, contact lenses do not improve peripheral vision.

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider

Now that we've examined the pros and cons of both laser eye surgery and contact lenses, how do you decide which option is right for you? Here are some factors to consider:

Lifestyle: Consider your daily activities and whether the convenience of contact lenses or the permanence of laser eye surgery aligns better with your lifestyle.

Budget: Evaluate your budget and whether you can afford the upfront cost of laser eye surgery or if you prefer the ongoing expense of contact lenses.

Health: Discuss your eye health and eligibility for laser eye surgery with an ophthalmologist. Some eye conditions may make surgery less desirable.

Long-Term Goals: Think about your long-term vision goals. Are you looking for a permanent solution, or are you comfortable with regular maintenance and replacements?

Comfort: Consider your comfort level with both options. Some people find contact lenses uncomfortable, while others may be anxious about undergoing surgery.

Consultation: Ultimately, the best way to make an informed decision is to consult with an eye care professional. They can assess your individual needs and guide you toward the most suitable choice.


Laser eye surgery and contact lenses each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, budget, and eye health. While laser eye surgery offers permanent vision correction and freedom from glasses or contacts, it comes with surgical risks and a higher upfront cost. On the other hand, contact lenses provide convenience and flexibility but require ongoing maintenance and may not be suitable for everyone.

Before making a decision, it's crucial to consult with an eye care professional who can assess your individual needs and guide you toward the best option for achieving clear and comfortable vision. Whether you choose laser eye surgery or contact lenses, the goal is the same: to enjoy the beauty of the world with crystal-clear vision.

1 Like

Re: Laser Eye Surgery Vs. Contact Lenses: Weighing The Pros And Cons by Weepnow: 2:06am On Nov 19, 2023
Cassava leaves, wash with salt water and squeeze the juice.

Apply it to the eyes, then go for thanksgivings.

Surgery and spectacles are a waste of funds and time.
Re: Laser Eye Surgery Vs. Contact Lenses: Weighing The Pros And Cons by Lensesng: 5:08pm On Nov 21, 2023
Do you need to get fashion or medicated contact lenses, shades or blue light glasses. Or you want to get new medicated glasses? Then you’re at the right place. We are your one stop shop for all your eye care needs. You can contact us on Instagram @Lenses.ng or via WhatsApp on +2347049194057

(1) (Reply)

Harvest Of Deaths: Ogun Community Where Mothers, Newborns Die During Childbirth / How To Fight Premature Ejaculation From The Privacy Of Your Home Without Drugs / Any Woman With Breast Cancer?

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 25
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.