The idea of getting LASIK surgery to correct your vision has crossed your mind more than once, but eye surgery seems scary compared to popping in a pair of contact lenses every day to help you see.
However, the results of a recent study reveal that the short-term risks of LASIK, a laser eye surgery used to correct vision, is actually lower than the risk of using contact lenses.
"The public and ophthalmologists have assumed that surgery, while attractive, constitutes the higher risk," wrote Dr. William Mathers, a professor of ophthalmology from the Oregon Health and Science University in a letter published in Archives of Ophthalmology. "This may not be correct."
The biggest problem associated with use of contact lenses is infection, which can cause just a minor problem, treatable with antibiotic drops, or a more serious problem resulting in vision loss. In fact, it is estimated that 5 percent of patients who develop a bacterial eye infection will have some degree of vision loss.
"One shouldn't assume that lenses are safe," said Dr. Joseph Dello Russo, an ophthalmologist from New York, in a press release.
About 20 million Americans wear contact lenses. And a recent review by Matthers shows that people who wear contact lenses daily for 30 years have a 1 out of 100 chance of developing an eye infection. For people who wear extended-wear contacts overnight and for several days straight, this risk is even greater.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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