Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and Contact Lens Use?
{"articlePage":{"_id":"60e400f5c233aa676ff1889b","title":"Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and Contact Lens Use?","knowyoureyes_id":"5ebe8369c3e0a2240347d518","description":"
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\r\n

Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and Contact Lens Use?

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If you don’t like wearing glasses, the chances are that either you have already started wearing contact lenses or want to switch to them soon. Surely contact lenses make for a far superior visual aid than eyeglasses. But with today’s medical advancements, laser eye surgery is a popular choice for vision correction.

\r\n

Here at Bausch+Lomb, we want to help you find the right eyecare option. In line with the same, here are some possible advantages and disadvantages of both laser eye surgery and contact lenses below.

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Laser Eye Surgery

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Laser eye surgery is a method of vision correction that can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and also astigmatism[1]. Laser surgeries use laser technology to reshape the cornea of an eye and thus improve its focusing ability. With laser surgery, you get long-term vision correction.

\r\n

Advantages Of Laser Eye Surgery:

\r\n

Getting a laser surgery performed from an ophthalmologist offers many benefits, some of them are:

\r\n

1. Long-Term Eyecare Solution

\r\n

While eyeglasses and contact lenses require you to change them regularly, laser eye surgery offers you more of a long-term solution as any changes made in the eyes will be permanent. Unlike glasses or contact lenses, laser surgery doesn’t include any regular wear and care regime. Although your vision may change naturally over time due to age and health factors.

\r\n

2. Increased Comfort and Freedom

\r\n

If you are regular to wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses, you must know that it requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Whereas with laser eye surgery, you don’t need to wear glasses or contact lenses as your vision error has been rectified during the operation.

\r\n

You also won’t have any problem with activities such as swimming, high-dynamic sports or sauna steam.

\r\n

Possible Disadvantages of Laser Eye Surgery

\r\n

While the advantages of laser surgery make them sound great, several potential risks come with it[2]. So, if you’re planning to get a laser eye surgery performed, you must know the following risks:

\r\n

1. Vision Might Not Be Entirely Corrected After The Surgery

\r\n

There’s no doubt that laser eye surgery can significantly improve your vision, but for some cases, additional visual aid such as a prescribed eyeglass may still be needed. In a minority of cases[3], once the eyes heal after the procedure, some vision issues may return.

\r\n

2. Glares/Halo Effect

\r\n

After laser surgery, you might experience slight to severe glares, flashes or a Halo like effect in your vision[4]. Over a few weeks after the surgery, you will notice that the glares reduce and continue to improve over the months.

\r\n

3. Flap Problems

\r\n

In laser eye surgeries such as LASIK, which involves a flap creation in the eye’s cornea, there can be rare instances where corneal contour changes contribute to symptoms of ocular surface disease[5]. Such a situation would require further treatment. Laser surgery is a critical procedure, and there is always some risk that might come with it.

\r\n

4. Cost of Laser Eye Surgery

\r\n

While laser surgery can effectively correct multiple eye disorders [6], it is pretty expensive and requires aftercare and regular check-ups.

\r\n

For something as sensitive as your eyes, you must opt for a laser surgery from a reputed and trusted ophthalmologist. However, be prepared for paying a considerable sum as the different costs and charges together make for a significant amount.

\r\n\r\n

Contact lenses: Different Corrective Options

\r\n

Contact lenses are one of the most preferred forms of visual aids. With the latest advancements and innovations in contact lenses materials, wearing contact lenses today feels remarkably natural and comfortable[7].

\r\n

Compared to laser surgery, contact lenses are a safer (as it does not require any kind of eye surgery) and an affordable option for correcting vision disorders.

\r\n

[8]Contact lenses can correct several vision problems, including:

\r\n
    \r\n
  • Long-sightedness
    • \r\n
  • Short-sightedness
    • \r\n
  • Astigmatism
    • \r\n
  • Presbyopia
    • \r\n
\r\n\r\n

Some Advantages of Wearing Contact Lense

\r\n

1. Alternative to Eyeglasses and Laser Eye Surgery

\r\n

If you have been using eyeglasses to improve your vision, you can try wearing contact lenses for a while for the many benefits they provide. It’s also super easy to start wearing contact lenses as you just need to consult with your eye care specialist and find a suitable contact lens.

\r\n

Unlike laser eye surgery, with contact lenses, you don’t need to wait up to six months to recover your vision[9]. However, when you start wearing contact lenses, you might take a few days to adjust to the new, improved eyesight.

\r\n\r\n

2. Improved Peripheral Vision

\r\n

Usually, all types of contact lenses are compact and thin, and they fit in your eyes to provide a better field of view as compared to eyeglasses. Contact lenses conform (fit) to the curvature of your eyes, unlike sturdy frames disrupting your line of vision.

\r\n

Additionally, many types of contact lenses may prove to be a good option for those who don’t meet the eligibility for laser eye surgery. [10]

\r\n

3. Less risk of complications

\r\n

Unlike laser eye surgery, you don’t require much aftercare if you consider wearing contact lenses. And, to keep wearing contact lenses safely, all you need to do is invest a little bit of time in following daily cleaning and care routine.

\r\n

Also, laser eye surgery doesn’t always ensure your vision will improve 100%, and you might have to use additional visual aids. Whereas wearing contact lenses and regularly following a simple cleaning routine ensures that you face no eye complications.

\r\n

Possible Disadvantages of Contact Lenses

\r\n

1. Wearing Lenses Requires Practice

\r\n

Wearing contact lenses correctly takes a few days of practice as you will have to put them in your eyes with utmost care. Although, in just a few days of training, you will have no problem putting in and removing your contact lenses.

\r\n

2. May Sometimes Cause Inconvenience

\r\n

Contact lenses do support an active lifestyle. However, it would help if you kept in mind the dos’s and don’ts related to wearing contact lenses safely. [11].

\r\n

Unlike laser eye surgery, you won’t be able to perform all activities, including swimming, or high-dynamic sports, or sauna[12], while wearing contact lenses.

\r\n

Also, it is recommended that you remove your contact lenses if it is raining, as when contact lenses are exposed to water, they can disintegrate and lead to protein build-up in the eyes[13]. Such build-ups may lead to eye irritation and even infections.

\r\n

Way Forward with Bausch+Lomb

\r\n

At Bausch+Lomb, we aim to offer improved and innovative vision solutions with our extensive range of precisely designed contact lenses for various vision problems. Explore Bausch+Lomb’s collection of contact lenses and experience enhanced vision and comfort while keeping your eyes healthy.

\r\n

After carefully analyzing the difference between the benefits of laser eye surgery and contact lens use, you can consult with your eye care specialist about both options. If you’d prefer wearing contact lenses, make sure you also consider the wearing time(modality) of the contact lenses.

\r\n

You will discover different types of contact lenses - re-usable or daily disposable contact lenses. The re-usable contact lenses come in modalities of annual lenses and monthly disposable contact lenses, which require you to follow a lens cleaning routine regularly strictly.

\r\n

Wearing contact lenses is one of the most comfortable ways to correct vision disorders. Consult with your eye care specialist to know more about the different types of contact lenses that may suit you. Begin your journey towards a more precise vision today!\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\nSources:
\r\n \r\n[1] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
\r\n\r\n[2] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/facts-about-lasik-complications
\r\n\r\n[3] https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20191220/twenty-years-later-lasik-has-its-pros-and-cons
\r\n\r\n[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1954820/
\r\n\r\n[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579556/
\r\n\r\n[6] https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/eye-health/pros-and-cons-of-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost
\r\n \r\n[7] https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-various-types-of-contact-lenses
\r\n\r\n[8] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-102
\r\n\r\n[9] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-surgery-recovery
\r\n\r\n[10] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye
\r\n\r\n[11] https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/water-and-contact-lenses.html
\r\n\r\n[12] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/swimming-contacts-your-eyes
\r\n\r\n[13] https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-various-types-of-contact-lenses\r\n

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","smalldescription":"

If you don’t like wearing glasses, the chances are that either you have already started wearing contact lenses or want to switch to them soon. Surely contact lenses make for a far superior visual aid than eyeglasses. But with today’s medical advancements, laser eye surgery is a popular choice for vision correction.

","created_by":"5cd14b7da0189d117502c216","updated_by":"5cd14b7da0189d117502c216","url":"difference-between-laser-eye-surgery-and-contact-lens-use","meta_keywords":"types of contact lenses, Wearing contact lenses, disposable contact lenses","meta_description":"Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and Contact Lens Use?","meta_title":"Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and Contact Lens Use?","created_at":"2021-07-06T07:06:29.186Z","updated_at":"2021-07-06T07:06:29.186Z","__v":0,"banner_desktop":"public/uploads/pages/difference_between_laser_eye_surgery_and_contact_lens_use_d205ab5ff2ca30de36e3b14ff0d309e4.jpg","banner_mobile":"public/uploads/pages/difference_between_laser_eye_surgery_and_contact_lens_use_d205ab5ff2ca30de36e3b14ff0d309e4.jpg","publisted_date":"2020-07-10T00:00:00.000Z","updated_date":"2020-07-10T00:00:00.000Z","desktopAlt":"","mobileAlt":""},"allArticle":[{"_id":"5ecb8eb21d2de9627d9cbd0c","title":"ZEN Vision","knowyoureyes_id":"5ebe8369c3e0a2240347d518","description":"
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WHAT IS PRESBYOPIA?

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Presbyopia is a normal process of aging of the eye in which the lens is modified and loses its flexibility in people over 40 years old.

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As a consequence, the ability to clearly see near objects diminishes, making it difficult to appreciate the details of life, such as reading a book, enjoying a hobby, or seeing clearly the photos of your dearest people.

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Key Features & Benefits

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    \r\n\t\t\t
  • You will regain your confidence - that state of equilibrium, that way of life... so that, even if the years go by, you can still be yourself
    • \r\n\t\t\t
  • You will focus on your objectives - More moments, more closeness, more feelings, more connection, in short, focusing with a more positive mindset
    • \r\n\t\t\t
  • You will enjoy the details that make you happy - You will recover the time where you saw everything with confidence and security
    • \r\n
  • You will appreciate the little - everyday things as a philosophy of life
    • \r\n\t\t
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ZEN VISION >>

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Is a laser technique for the surgical treatment of presbyopia. Using established laser technology that has already helped millions of people with myopia and hyperopia, the laser can now be used to treat presbyopia and most often get rid of the need for reading glasses and Contact Lenses. It also allows the treatment of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

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Ask your eye health professional if ZEN Vision is the solution for you.

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HOW TO SPOT THE SYMPTOMS?

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    \r\n\t\t\t
  • You have difficulty reading and seeing objects up close.
    • \r\n\t\t\t
  • Intuitively you move books, newspapers, mobiles, or tablets away from you, so you can more easily focus on them.
    • \r\n\t\t\t
  • You need more light to read or focus on objects up close.
    • \r\n
  • You find it more difficult to carry out day-to-day activities. Reading a recipe, a drug leaflet, the prices at the supermarket or applying makeup are more challenging.
    • \r\n
  • You frequently change the prescription of your glasses or lenses.
    • \r\n\t\t
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THANKS TO ZEN VISION YOU SHOULD HAVE THE POSSIBILITY TO SEE AT ALL DISTANCES AGAIN, EVEN CLOSE UP, AND THUS INCREASE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE. AND YOU, DO YOU WANT TO HAVE A ZEN VISION?

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How is the surgery performed?

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","smalldescription":"

Presbyopia is a normal process of aging of the eye in which the lens is modified and loses its flexibility in people over 40 years old.

","created_by":"5cd14b7da0189d117502c216","updated_by":"5cd14b7da0189d117502c216","created_at":"2020-05-25T09:24:02.276Z","updated_at":"2020-05-25T09:24:02.277Z","__v":0,"url":"zen-vision","meta_description":"Presbyopia is process of aging of the eye in which the lens is modified and loses its flexibility in people over 40 years old. Learn here how to spot the symptoms.","meta_keywords":"","meta_title":"What is Presbyopia: How to Spot Symptoms | Bausch + Lomb"},{"_id":"5ecb92971d2de9627d9cbd0d","title":"LASIK","knowyoureyes_id":"5ebe8369c3e0a2240347d518","description":"
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LASIK

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LASIK is safe, painless, quick, and delivers excellent results with very short recovery time. People who undergo this treatment will find their dependence on glasses or Contact Lenses greatly reduced if not eliminated altogether.

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LASIK Personalized Treatment

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Your eyes and your vision are as unique to you as your fingerprints and no two people are alike. However, standard laser treatments will treat two people with the same prescription in the same way. That’s why glasses, contact lenses and conventional laser surgery address only “lower-order aberrations” such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
\r\nA lot of people experience symptoms such as halos, starbursts and glare which are caused by “higher-order aberrations”. This can affect people in several ways, for example while driving at night.
\r\nA LASIK Personalized Treatment takes both lower and higher-order aberrations into consideration and delivers a treatment based on each eye’s unique visual fingerprint. This procedure is the most advanced form of laser vision correction available today.
\r\nLASIK can be very successful when performed on the right patients. In general, good candidates must be of a certain age, have had a stable prescription during the last 6-12 months, a diagnosed refractive disorder and healthy eyes. If you are interested in this procedure, you should ask your doctor to determine whether or not LASIK is a safe and viable option for improving your vision. This decision will be based on a special series of tests, as well as a detailed medical history.

\r\n

What to Expect During the LASIK?

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LASIK surgery begins when you enter the laser room and are lying down in a relaxed position on the laser bed. Anesthetic drops are then applied to numb your eye. The surgeon will adjust the laser bed, so that your eye is positioned directly underneath the laser. A special device is then used to keep your eye from closing during the procedure. Next, the surgeon will create a corneal flap and then gently re-shape your cornea with the laser. With the laser aligned to the eye, you will be asked to fixate on a blinking light. At this point the surgeon is ready to start the laser process which only lasts for a few seconds and within minutes you are free to walk out.

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SUPRACOR™ - The LASIK-Based Treatment for Presbyopia

\r\n

SUPRACOR is the LASIK-based treatment for presbyopia. SUPRACOR is a unique, clinically proven1 laser procedure designed to help patients see objects close up again while maintaining your distance vision. SUPRACOR treats one or both eyes and provides good vision at all distances (near, intermediate and far). Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a SUPRACOR treatment. The ophthalmologist can explain your options in detail, determine your suitability and discuss probable outcomes and any associated risks and compromises to your current vision.

\r\n

What to Expect During the Procedure?

\r\n

A SUPRACOR treatment does not differ from a normal LASIK treatment. The laser procedure itself only takes a few seconds and special numbing eyedrops assure that it is as comfortable as possible and completely painless.

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After the SUPRACOR treatment

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After SUPRACOR treatment, you should be able to see and read up-close in most situations, making your life much easier and more comfortable

\r\n\t\t
    \r\n\t\t\t
  • No more carrying reading glasses everywhere or dealing with special contact lenses
    • \r\n\t\t\t
  • Read a menu, a magazine, or just send emails without the need of glasses
    • \r\n\t\t\t
  • Read your car GPS map with ease while driving on holiday
    • \r\n
  • Travel light
    • \r\n
  • Feel younger and freer
    • \r\n\t\t
\r\n

References:
\r\n1. Technolas Perfect Vision Data on file.

\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n","smalldescription":"

LASIK is a surgical procedure that treats refractive disorders by changing the shape of the cornea and therefore the way the eye focuses light internally. The LASIK procedure is the most frequently used technique to treat visions disorders.

","created_by":"5cd14b7da0189d117502c216","updated_by":"5cd14b7da0189d117502c216","created_at":"2020-05-25T09:40:39.631Z","updated_at":"2020-05-25T09:40:39.631Z","__v":0,"url":"lasik","meta_description":"LASIK is safe, painless, quick, and delivers excellent results with very short recovery time. People who undergo this treatment will find their dependence on glasses or contact lenses greatly reduced if not eliminated altogether.","meta_keywords":"","meta_title":"LASIK Personalized Treatment | Bausch + Lomb","desktopAlt":"","mobileAlt":""},{"_id":"60e400f5c233aa676ff1889b","title":"Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and Contact Lens Use?","knowyoureyes_id":"5ebe8369c3e0a2240347d518","description":"
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n

Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and Contact Lens Use?

\r\n

If you don’t like wearing glasses, the chances are that either you have already started wearing contact lenses or want to switch to them soon. Surely contact lenses make for a far superior visual aid than eyeglasses. But with today’s medical advancements, laser eye surgery is a popular choice for vision correction.

\r\n

Here at Bausch+Lomb, we want to help you find the right eyecare option. In line with the same, here are some possible advantages and disadvantages of both laser eye surgery and contact lenses below.

\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n

Laser Eye Surgery

\r\n

Laser eye surgery is a method of vision correction that can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and also astigmatism[1]. Laser surgeries use laser technology to reshape the cornea of an eye and thus improve its focusing ability. With laser surgery, you get long-term vision correction.

\r\n

Advantages Of Laser Eye Surgery:

\r\n

Getting a laser surgery performed from an ophthalmologist offers many benefits, some of them are:

\r\n

1. Long-Term Eyecare Solution

\r\n

While eyeglasses and contact lenses require you to change them regularly, laser eye surgery offers you more of a long-term solution as any changes made in the eyes will be permanent. Unlike glasses or contact lenses, laser surgery doesn’t include any regular wear and care regime. Although your vision may change naturally over time due to age and health factors.

\r\n

2. Increased Comfort and Freedom

\r\n

If you are regular to wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses, you must know that it requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Whereas with laser eye surgery, you don’t need to wear glasses or contact lenses as your vision error has been rectified during the operation.

\r\n

You also won’t have any problem with activities such as swimming, high-dynamic sports or sauna steam.

\r\n

Possible Disadvantages of Laser Eye Surgery

\r\n

While the advantages of laser surgery make them sound great, several potential risks come with it[2]. So, if you’re planning to get a laser eye surgery performed, you must know the following risks:

\r\n

1. Vision Might Not Be Entirely Corrected After The Surgery

\r\n

There’s no doubt that laser eye surgery can significantly improve your vision, but for some cases, additional visual aid such as a prescribed eyeglass may still be needed. In a minority of cases[3], once the eyes heal after the procedure, some vision issues may return.

\r\n

2. Glares/Halo Effect

\r\n

After laser surgery, you might experience slight to severe glares, flashes or a Halo like effect in your vision[4]. Over a few weeks after the surgery, you will notice that the glares reduce and continue to improve over the months.

\r\n

3. Flap Problems

\r\n

In laser eye surgeries such as LASIK, which involves a flap creation in the eye’s cornea, there can be rare instances where corneal contour changes contribute to symptoms of ocular surface disease[5]. Such a situation would require further treatment. Laser surgery is a critical procedure, and there is always some risk that might come with it.

\r\n

4. Cost of Laser Eye Surgery

\r\n

While laser surgery can effectively correct multiple eye disorders [6], it is pretty expensive and requires aftercare and regular check-ups.

\r\n

For something as sensitive as your eyes, you must opt for a laser surgery from a reputed and trusted ophthalmologist. However, be prepared for paying a considerable sum as the different costs and charges together make for a significant amount.

\r\n\r\n

Contact lenses: Different Corrective Options

\r\n

Contact lenses are one of the most preferred forms of visual aids. With the latest advancements and innovations in contact lenses materials, wearing contact lenses today feels remarkably natural and comfortable[7].

\r\n

Compared to laser surgery, contact lenses are a safer (as it does not require any kind of eye surgery) and an affordable option for correcting vision disorders.

\r\n

[8]Contact lenses can correct several vision problems, including:

\r\n
    \r\n
  • Long-sightedness
    • \r\n
  • Short-sightedness
    • \r\n
  • Astigmatism
    • \r\n
  • Presbyopia
    • \r\n
\r\n\r\n

Some Advantages of Wearing Contact Lense

\r\n

1. Alternative to Eyeglasses and Laser Eye Surgery

\r\n

If you have been using eyeglasses to improve your vision, you can try wearing contact lenses for a while for the many benefits they provide. It’s also super easy to start wearing contact lenses as you just need to consult with your eye care specialist and find a suitable contact lens.

\r\n

Unlike laser eye surgery, with contact lenses, you don’t need to wait up to six months to recover your vision[9]. However, when you start wearing contact lenses, you might take a few days to adjust to the new, improved eyesight.

\r\n\r\n

2. Improved Peripheral Vision

\r\n

Usually, all types of contact lenses are compact and thin, and they fit in your eyes to provide a better field of view as compared to eyeglasses. Contact lenses conform (fit) to the curvature of your eyes, unlike sturdy frames disrupting your line of vision.

\r\n

Additionally, many types of contact lenses may prove to be a good option for those who don’t meet the eligibility for laser eye surgery. [10]

\r\n

3. Less risk of complications

\r\n

Unlike laser eye surgery, you don’t require much aftercare if you consider wearing contact lenses. And, to keep wearing contact lenses safely, all you need to do is invest a little bit of time in following daily cleaning and care routine.

\r\n

Also, laser eye surgery doesn’t always ensure your vision will improve 100%, and you might have to use additional visual aids. Whereas wearing contact lenses and regularly following a simple cleaning routine ensures that you face no eye complications.

\r\n

Possible Disadvantages of Contact Lenses

\r\n

1. Wearing Lenses Requires Practice

\r\n

Wearing contact lenses correctly takes a few days of practice as you will have to put them in your eyes with utmost care. Although, in just a few days of training, you will have no problem putting in and removing your contact lenses.

\r\n

2. May Sometimes Cause Inconvenience

\r\n

Contact lenses do support an active lifestyle. However, it would help if you kept in mind the dos’s and don’ts related to wearing contact lenses safely. [11].

\r\n

Unlike laser eye surgery, you won’t be able to perform all activities, including swimming, or high-dynamic sports, or sauna[12], while wearing contact lenses.

\r\n

Also, it is recommended that you remove your contact lenses if it is raining, as when contact lenses are exposed to water, they can disintegrate and lead to protein build-up in the eyes[13]. Such build-ups may lead to eye irritation and even infections.

\r\n

Way Forward with Bausch+Lomb

\r\n

At Bausch+Lomb, we aim to offer improved and innovative vision solutions with our extensive range of precisely designed contact lenses for various vision problems. Explore Bausch+Lomb’s collection of contact lenses and experience enhanced vision and comfort while keeping your eyes healthy.

\r\n

After carefully analyzing the difference between the benefits of laser eye surgery and contact lens use, you can consult with your eye care specialist about both options. If you’d prefer wearing contact lenses, make sure you also consider the wearing time(modality) of the contact lenses.

\r\n

You will discover different types of contact lenses - re-usable or daily disposable contact lenses. The re-usable contact lenses come in modalities of annual lenses and monthly disposable contact lenses, which require you to follow a lens cleaning routine regularly strictly.

\r\n

Wearing contact lenses is one of the most comfortable ways to correct vision disorders. Consult with your eye care specialist to know more about the different types of contact lenses that may suit you. Begin your journey towards a more precise vision today!\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\nSources:
\r\n \r\n[1] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
\r\n\r\n[2] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/facts-about-lasik-complications
\r\n\r\n[3] https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20191220/twenty-years-later-lasik-has-its-pros-and-cons
\r\n\r\n[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1954820/
\r\n\r\n[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579556/
\r\n\r\n[6] https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/eye-health/pros-and-cons-of-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost
\r\n \r\n[7] https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-various-types-of-contact-lenses
\r\n\r\n[8] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-102
\r\n\r\n[9] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-surgery-recovery
\r\n\r\n[10] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye
\r\n\r\n[11] https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/water-and-contact-lenses.html
\r\n\r\n[12] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/swimming-contacts-your-eyes
\r\n\r\n[13] https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-various-types-of-contact-lenses\r\n

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If you don’t like wearing glasses, the chances are that either you have already started wearing contact lenses or want to switch to them soon. Surely contact lenses make for a far superior visual aid than eyeglasses. But with today’s medical advancements, laser eye surgery is a popular choice for vision correction.

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Difference Between Laser Eye Surgery and Contact Lens Use?

If you don’t like wearing glasses, the chances are that either you have already started wearing contact lenses or want to switch to them soon. Surely contact lenses make for a far superior visual aid than eyeglasses. But with today’s medical advancements, laser eye surgery is a popular choice for vision correction.

Here at Bausch+Lomb, we want to help you find the right eyecare option. In line with the same, here are some possible advantages and disadvantages of both laser eye surgery and contact lenses below.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a method of vision correction that can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and also astigmatism[1]. Laser surgeries use laser technology to reshape the cornea of an eye and thus improve its focusing ability. With laser surgery, you get long-term vision correction.

Advantages Of Laser Eye Surgery:

Getting a laser surgery performed from an ophthalmologist offers many benefits, some of them are:

1. Long-Term Eyecare Solution

While eyeglasses and contact lenses require you to change them regularly, laser eye surgery offers you more of a long-term solution as any changes made in the eyes will be permanent. Unlike glasses or contact lenses, laser surgery doesn’t include any regular wear and care regime. Although your vision may change naturally over time due to age and health factors.

2. Increased Comfort and Freedom

If you are regular to wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses, you must know that it requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Whereas with laser eye surgery, you don’t need to wear glasses or contact lenses as your vision error has been rectified during the operation.

You also won’t have any problem with activities such as swimming, high-dynamic sports or sauna steam.

Possible Disadvantages of Laser Eye Surgery

While the advantages of laser surgery make them sound great, several potential risks come with it[2]. So, if you’re planning to get a laser eye surgery performed, you must know the following risks:

1. Vision Might Not Be Entirely Corrected After The Surgery

There’s no doubt that laser eye surgery can significantly improve your vision, but for some cases, additional visual aid such as a prescribed eyeglass may still be needed. In a minority of cases[3], once the eyes heal after the procedure, some vision issues may return.

2. Glares/Halo Effect

After laser surgery, you might experience slight to severe glares, flashes or a Halo like effect in your vision[4]. Over a few weeks after the surgery, you will notice that the glares reduce and continue to improve over the months.

3. Flap Problems

In laser eye surgeries such as LASIK, which involves a flap creation in the eye’s cornea, there can be rare instances where corneal contour changes contribute to symptoms of ocular surface disease[5]. Such a situation would require further treatment. Laser surgery is a critical procedure, and there is always some risk that might come with it.

4. Cost of Laser Eye Surgery

While laser surgery can effectively correct multiple eye disorders [6], it is pretty expensive and requires aftercare and regular check-ups.

For something as sensitive as your eyes, you must opt for a laser surgery from a reputed and trusted ophthalmologist. However, be prepared for paying a considerable sum as the different costs and charges together make for a significant amount.

Contact lenses: Different Corrective Options

Contact lenses are one of the most preferred forms of visual aids. With the latest advancements and innovations in contact lenses materials, wearing contact lenses today feels remarkably natural and comfortable[7].

Compared to laser surgery, contact lenses are a safer (as it does not require any kind of eye surgery) and an affordable option for correcting vision disorders.

[8]Contact lenses can correct several vision problems, including:

  • Long-sightedness
  • Short-sightedness
  • Astigmatism
  • Presbyopia

Some Advantages of Wearing Contact Lense

1. Alternative to Eyeglasses and Laser Eye Surgery

If you have been using eyeglasses to improve your vision, you can try wearing contact lenses for a while for the many benefits they provide. It’s also super easy to start wearing contact lenses as you just need to consult with your eye care specialist and find a suitable contact lens.

Unlike laser eye surgery, with contact lenses, you don’t need to wait up to six months to recover your vision[9]. However, when you start wearing contact lenses, you might take a few days to adjust to the new, improved eyesight.

2. Improved Peripheral Vision

Usually, all types of contact lenses are compact and thin, and they fit in your eyes to provide a better field of view as compared to eyeglasses. Contact lenses conform (fit) to the curvature of your eyes, unlike sturdy frames disrupting your line of vision.

Additionally, many types of contact lenses may prove to be a good option for those who don’t meet the eligibility for laser eye surgery. [10]

3. Less risk of complications

Unlike laser eye surgery, you don’t require much aftercare if you consider wearing contact lenses. And, to keep wearing contact lenses safely, all you need to do is invest a little bit of time in following daily cleaning and care routine.

Also, laser eye surgery doesn’t always ensure your vision will improve 100%, and you might have to use additional visual aids. Whereas wearing contact lenses and regularly following a simple cleaning routine ensures that you face no eye complications.

Possible Disadvantages of Contact Lenses

1. Wearing Lenses Requires Practice

Wearing contact lenses correctly takes a few days of practice as you will have to put them in your eyes with utmost care. Although, in just a few days of training, you will have no problem putting in and removing your contact lenses.

2. May Sometimes Cause Inconvenience

Contact lenses do support an active lifestyle. However, it would help if you kept in mind the dos’s and don’ts related to wearing contact lenses safely. [11].

Unlike laser eye surgery, you won’t be able to perform all activities, including swimming, or high-dynamic sports, or sauna[12], while wearing contact lenses.

Also, it is recommended that you remove your contact lenses if it is raining, as when contact lenses are exposed to water, they can disintegrate and lead to protein build-up in the eyes[13]. Such build-ups may lead to eye irritation and even infections.

Way Forward with Bausch+Lomb

At Bausch+Lomb, we aim to offer improved and innovative vision solutions with our extensive range of precisely designed contact lenses for various vision problems. Explore Bausch+Lomb’s collection of contact lenses and experience enhanced vision and comfort while keeping your eyes healthy.

After carefully analyzing the difference between the benefits of laser eye surgery and contact lens use, you can consult with your eye care specialist about both options. If you’d prefer wearing contact lenses, make sure you also consider the wearing time(modality) of the contact lenses.

You will discover different types of contact lenses - re-usable or daily disposable contact lenses. The re-usable contact lenses come in modalities of annual lenses and monthly disposable contact lenses, which require you to follow a lens cleaning routine regularly strictly.

Wearing contact lenses is one of the most comfortable ways to correct vision disorders. Consult with your eye care specialist to know more about the different types of contact lenses that may suit you. Begin your journey towards a more precise vision today!

Sources:
[1] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
[2] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/facts-about-lasik-complications
[3] https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20191220/twenty-years-later-lasik-has-its-pros-and-cons
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1954820/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579556/
[6] https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/eye-health/pros-and-cons-of-lasik-are-risks-worth-cost
[7] https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-various-types-of-contact-lenses
[8] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-102
[9] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-surgery-recovery
[10] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye
[11] https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/water-and-contact-lenses.html
[12] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/swimming-contacts-your-eyes
[13] https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/contact-lenses/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-various-types-of-contact-lenses

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