For many in the past, crystal-clear vision seemed unattainable. But thanks to amazing advances in technology, modern vision correction offers so many options to suit a variety of people. The contact lens is one form of vision correction that has made significant improvements in recent years. However, for many patients, contact lenses improve their vision but create a host of other problems.
Many patients we see here at Loden Vision wear contacts lenses successfully every day with no issue. Contact lenses are the perfect solution for some, but it is important to recognize that they are not for everyone. At Loden Vision, it is our job to properly inform all of our patients about the benefits and risks of every vision correction method. Here, we will discuss some of the reasons some of our patients may want to avoid contact lenses.
Poor Contact Lens Hygiene Leads to Infection
This is a big one. Those who use contact lenses need to have the discipline to maintain proper hygiene standards. Cutting corners when it comes to contact lens cleanliness will eventually lead to infection, which can be serious and even vision threatening. It is important to understand whether or not you will want to deal with the hassle that comes along with keeping contact lenses clean and safe before you decide to use them.
Contact Lens Require Daily, Meticulous Care
Again, contact lenses require a lot of care to ensure safety and effectiveness. Anything entering the eyes needs to be sterile. Those who tend to fall asleep with contact lenses in, or who go awhile without changing their contact lens solution probably aren’t good contact lens candidates. This is a major turn-off for some patients, who instead explore other corrective options such as eyeglasses and the ever popular LASIK surgery.
Contact Lens Complications
While hundreds of thousands of people wear contact lenses each day with no issue, there are still some risks. Like with anything we put into our bodies, we have to be mindful. Contact lenses can lead to complications in some patients, which is why it is important to understand the signs that contact lenses are not for you. If you experience excessive watering, redness, stinging or itching, this could be a sign that you are not a good fit for contact lenses. Always inform your eye doctor of any unusual or concerning side effects you experience through the use of contact lenses.
Long Wear Time
Contact lenses only help vision when you have them in. However, those who work long days or would like clear vision for the entire time they are awake may run into issues. Some contact lens wearers find it very difficult to go through a whole day while wearing contact lenses. This is mostly due to environmental factors, such as high levels of pollen, dust, low humidity or poor overall air quality. These factors can cause the eyes to feel dry and itchy. It can help to use eye drops and rinse your contact lenses during the day, but many people do not have the time, nor the patience, for that.
Corneal Shape Changes
Contact lenses, over time, can change the shape of the cornea. This presents an issue when patients decide to opt for LASIK surgery. Since the cornea is being reshaped during LASIK surgery, it is important for your cornea to return to it’s natural state. Doctors will ask that you refrain from wearing contact lenses for a certain amount of time before the procedure to allow your eye to take more of its natural shape.
Contact Lenses are Expensive
Contact lenses are less money upfront than LASIK surgery, but over time, they can easily cost 2 or 3 times the cost of LASIK over a 20-year period. LASIK often pays itself off within that amount of time, with the added benefit of not having to deal with contact lenses.
Contact lenses are great for some people, but others may be better off ditching their prescription and opting for LASIK surgery. At Loden Vision, our doctors are able to determine the best vision correction path for you. Contact lenses, eyeglasses and LASIK all have their pros and cons. If you are curious and would like to know more about your options, call Loden Vision today!
