When it comes to vision correction, you often have the option of choosing between glasses, contacts, or laser eye surgery. Which one is best for your lifestyle? It depends on you and the type of vision correction you require. Each choice has its pros and cons.
Glasses Pros
Glasses are the most frequent choice to correct vision. There are no age restrictions. Glasses come in a wide range of frames and lenses to fit every type of corrective vision. Other benefits include:
- Simple Maintenance
- Added Eye Protection
- Ease of Use
Glasses Cons
Glasses may not be the most fashionable choice for some people. They may not like having to wear glasses in order to see clearly. Other possible cons include:
- May Need More Than One Pair
- Can’t Use Them in Water
- Creates an Unnatural Barrier
- May Be Uncomfortable
Contacts Pros
Contacts were the first alternative to wearing glasses. You could insert corrective vision lenses on the eyes and see clearly. Other advantages of wearing contacts are:
- Field of Vision Is Improved
- Allows You to Be More Active
- Are Great for People Who Hate Glasses
- Allows You to Wear Non-Prescription Sunglasses
Contacts Cons
Contacts do have their drawbacks as the preferred corrective vision method. One of the most common ones is the risk of eye infections people can experience. Infections are caused by putting the contacts in and taking them out frequently.
If you don’t remember to wash your hands before touching your contacts or eyes, you can transfer germs onto the contacts and into the eye. If you get an infection, you must stop wearing contacts, discard any pairs you have worn, the cleaning case, and any contact solution.
Other cons of contacts are:
- You Can’t Swim
- Dry Eye Can Occur
- Vision Correction Is Not Permanent
- Inconvenience of Having to Clean and Replace
- Yearly Eye Exams Are Required
- There Are Age Restrictions
Laser Eye Surgery Pros
Laser eye surgery continues to advance and change from the first LASIK surgeries in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Today, there are several different types of eye surgery options to help correct vision. Many of these only take a few minutes to complete, and the results are almost instantaneously. Most people start to notice the improvement to their vision in the first 24 to 48 hours.
Some of the many benefits gained with laser eye surgery include:
- Most People Never Need Glasses or Contacts Again
- Permanent Vision Correction
- Perfect for People Who Are Active
- No Risks of Swimming or Going into Water
- Freedom to Wear Non-Prescription Sunglasses
Laser Eye Surgery Cons
There are a few cons of corrective laser eye surgery procedures you do need to know. As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks and potential side effects. While these are minimal and rarely occur, your laser eye surgeon will discuss them with you in detail.
Other drawbacks of laser surgery are:
- Possible Dry Eyes Post-Surgery
- Upfront Costs Can Seem More Expensive
- Most Procedures Not Covered by Insurance
- Age Restrictions Can Apply to Certain Procedures
Even though the upfront costs can seem more, remember that you will no longer have the expense of glasses and contacts in most cases. Additionally, most reputable eye surgeons offer payment plan options to make corrective eye surgery affordable.
As you can see, each vision correction option has its pros and cons. Ultimately, it comes down to which option you feel is best for you and your lifestyle.
To learn more about the different types of eye surgery and which ones you qualify for, please feel free to contact ADV Vision Centers at (805) 987-5300 to schedule a consultation appointment today! We have office locations in Paso Robel, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo.
