Contact Lenses, Eye Glasses or Lasik Surgery?
Eye © Darren Fletcher
After a somewhat frustrating experience with my contact lenses a few weeks ago, I considered whether I should consider eye surgery. The prospect of enjoying perfect eye sight almost beats the procedure of having to change lenses every day, or wearing glasses. But the odds were worse than I first thought. Apparently up to one in six who goes through laser surgery suffers complications that affect their eye sight. And even though I know of people who successfully have undergone Lasik surgery, I rather keep using lenses and glasses than risking permanent damage to my vision.
Since I started using contact lenses in middle school and eye glasses on and off in upper secondary school, I have plenty of experience in both. I thought about the benefits of using contact lenses vs. glasses when traveling. What I choose depends mostly on what I will do. If I will take part in any activities involving water (swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing) or snow (skiing, snowboarding), I wear my lenses. The same goes for activities such as yoga and dancing. During city trips with a lot of sightseeing, culture, shopping and nightlife, I wear either lenses or glasses. If I opt for lenses for a theater or musical performance, or to the cinema, I make sure to bring eye drops in case my eyes get dry or tired.
The weather also plays a role. During rain or snow, I prefer lenses. Sunny days, either — unless I plan on going to the beach, where I wear sunglasses. I haven’t tried those eye glasses that darken in the sun yet, but I bet they’re worth buying.
If you have impaired eye sight, what’s your first choice when travelling — contact lenses or glasses? Or 50/50?
I’ve never had contacts but I personally prefer to wear glasses. M BF has contacts and whenever we travel he’d always have to lug around a bottle of cleaner for his contacts. It’s not ridiculously heavy but the weight adds up.
Glasses look good and can be convenient – sometimes I just feel they’re in the way, and I’ve had a tendency to misplace mine. And yes, those cleaner bottles aren’t especially heavy. They do take up space though, more so if you use dailies rather than monthly contacts. I once travelled with a supply of four to five months’ worth of daily contacts. On another trip I only brought my glasses – such a difference!
I’ve worn contacts/glasses since I was in middle school. Completely frightened of the thought of Lasik surgery, for I can not guarantee the surgeon would not have a triple espresso before doing my procedure! When I mostly wear contacts, but at night, I always take them out and wear my glasses.
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Totally understandable to fear Lasik surgery, especially when you don’t know what the surgeon’s been up to before the procedure! And whether you can entirely trust he’ll do well. I usually wear glasses at night as well. It can be nice to rest the eyes after a long day of wearing contacts.
agree with melissa regarding fear and other factors
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Yeah, surgery is too risky at this point. Would have been different if the odds were better. I wouldn’t hesitate if the success rate was 100%.
Ok, if traveling I wore my contacts until they became unbearable and then resorted to my very thick glasses. I did get Lasik and it is the BEST THING I EVER DID!!! Life without either is so easy. Reconsider it. The statistics I read were much better only 1% which is still too high for many of my friends.
I’m glad to hear Lasik went well for you. I can imagine it’s a real pleasure not having to wear either lenses or glasses. Only 1% is not much. Still too high for me also though.
Glasses are so chic and a lot friendlier than a laser.
Ciao bella!
So true!
I got Lasik done a few weeks ago… was shit scared. So far, been okay (touch wood).
But the only reason I got it done was i developed an allergy to contact lenses and couldn’t imagine a life with glasses. So if you’ve no problems with glasses, live on
Hi Leia, I hope you’re still doing okay! Totally understand your reason. If everyone with impaired vision had to choose between surgery or wearing glasses all the time I bet many would opt for Lasik. For now, I’m sticking with my glasses though!
Eye surgery freaks me out. I’ve thought about it before, but I think I’ll wait for the time being, haha. For traveling, I prefer my contacts, but also bring glasses just in case the need arises for them.
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I once watched a short documentary on eye surgery. Not a pleasant sight! Thank God to whoever invented contacts!
Well I would prefer glasses more, Glasses can be fashionable you know.. I mean contacts are limited to those “allergic” and also its kind of risky too. And laser, hell i’m afraid of them.
I dont disagree with you, Cecille. Glasses can be very fashionable. Why else would people who don’t even need glasses start wearing eye glasses without prescriptions? I just haven’t gotten completely used to them yet – even though i’ve worn them for years!
As for risks of wearing contacts, here’s a piece I just found on some pros and cons http://www.epinions.com/content_3380912260
I had lasik done to make traveling easier, and it’s been wonderful. I’m so glad – it has made life so much easier! I highly recommend it.
Hi Anna, I’m glad to hear it worked out so well for you!
My brother had laser surgery a few years ago and hasn’t looked back so to speak. He said it was very painful first few days but now it is great.
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No pain, no gain – so to speak
You are wise to steer clear of laser surgery, especially LASIK. I consulted with several corneal surgeons and they did admit that the flap only heals to a partial strength of what it was before…meaning that it can become displaced even ten years after surgery if you are punched in the eye or something hits you in the eye (it happens more than you think). They don’t allow pilots or boxers or other athletes to get this surgery because of this. Also, you sever an important nerve that affects tear production which is why you see all of these lubricating drops for post-LASIK on the market everywhere, go check out your drugstore eyedrop section and see what I mean. Also, your vision continues to fluctuate in you 30′s and 40′s so you may be less reliant on glasses but you may still end up in them anyway. I travel a lot and HATE being nearsighted but I do not want laser’s doing anything to my perfectly healthy (albeit very myopic) eyes!!! I usually do 50/50 glasses and lenses though when driving at night I always wear contacts since I find it crisper for night driving in general. Good luck!
Hi JD,
I didn’t know about that. Now I’m feeling relieved! I know what you mean about being nearsighted and as for contacts when driving at night, I’m so with you on that one! Thanks for commenting!
Contact lens is good on celebrity. They can use to stay look awesome in the eyes of the public. Consider some effects that can happen in your eyes after using it. Some stay good and satisfy with their true eyes. Insecurity makes you die.
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