Safety First: LASIK vs Contact Lens Use

Did you know that LASIK can be up to five times safer than wearing contacts?* It makes sense, when you consider lens related infections of the eye and other complications due to long term contact use. These complications can be virtually eliminated by LASIK Laser Vision Correction surgery. 

Do you wear contacts?  Think back to when you got your first pair.  You probably spent some time with your eye doctor, going over proper care procedures to best protect your eyes. Do you remember ALL of their advice?  Here’s a rundown of some things you may have forgotten.

• Wearing contacts for longer than they are meant to be worn can lead to infection; read and follow usage instructions for your brand of contacts implicitly.

• Sleeping in contacts deprives your eyes of oxygen, don’t do it
• Regularly wash your lens case with cleaning solution and allow it to dry completely before closing it
• Even if you wash you lens case frequently, replace it every three months to keep bacteria from building up
• Keep tap water and pool water away from your contact lenses, they are not sterile water sources and may result in infection
• Never reuse cleaning solution; yesterday’s bacteria could lead to tomorrow’s infection
• Don’t use your spit to clean your lenses. Your mouth is full of bacteria.  This is a no-no.
• Use quality lens cleaning solution. Your eye doctor can recommend the appropriate brand for your eyes, to help you avoid sensitivity
• Get rid of old lenses and contact cleaning solution; check expiration dates and dispose of expired products
• Wash your hands before you put in your contacts
• Avoid wearing waterproof makeup and is can cling to your lenses
• Don’t wear contacts if your eyes are irritated
• Wearing a damaged or ripped contact lens can result in scratched corneas or infection

Are there any adjustments you need to make to your contact lens routine? Any red flags?

May we offer another solution? One that may end your need to purchase contact solution forever!

LASIK Vision Correction with Dr. Lindahl at The Rochester Eye and Laser Center.  LASIK has the ability to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, reducing and often completely eliminating the need for contact lenses or glasses.