For many patients who must rely on corrective eyewear to see clearly, contact lenses are preferred over glasses. They usually eliminate the need for multiple pairs of eyewear; they don’t get in the way when playing sports; they don’t detract from one’s physical appearance; they’re generally disposable so loss is less of an issue. However, contact lenses present their own bag of inconveniences and complications –and it is for these reasons that LASIK laser vision correction surgery is better than contacts.

1. Caring for contact lenses takes time. How many minutes per day do you spend cleaning and disinfecting your contact lenses? How long does it take you to get them in and out? How many times do you have to go to the restroom to apply rewetting drops throughout the day? We could be talking anywhere from ten to thirty minutes of time each day that could be spent on other things –if you have LASIK and eliminate your need for contact lenses.

2. Contact lenses are expensive. Let’s say you spend $500 per year on eye exams, contact lenses and cleaning solution. If you wear contact lenses for another twenty years, that’s $10,000! LASIK, on the other hand, is a one-time investment in your vision. For a lot less than the cost of twenty years in contact lenses, you can have perfect (or near perfect) vision for life.

3. You cannot see without your contacts in. What’s the first thing you do when you hear a strange noise in the middle of the night? If you’re a contact lens wearer, let’s hope it’s just the cat making those sounds. You’ll have to fumble around looking for your back-up glasses before you can grab your shotgun or call for help. If you had LASIK, you would be able to see clearly the moment you open your eyes.

4. You can develop an allergy to contacts. Not only does extended wear of contacts contribute to eye dryness and eye infections, over time you can develop an allergy to your lenses. You’ll then have to choose between going back to glasses or coping with burning, itching and red eyes. With LASIK, you no longer need contacts, so you avoid these complications.

From time and money spent caring for contact lenses, to allergies and infections as a result of wearing them, these are just four reasons why LASIK surgery is a better option. Come back soon for part two in our series –then schedule your free consultation at Eisner Laser Center and further explore how LASIK can change your life.