Is LASIK better than Glasses and Contacts?
Did you know that up to 78% of Americans rely on some form of vision correction? It means nearly 3 out of 4 adults in the U.S.A deal with vision issues. If you are squinting through your lenses or fumbling with contact lenses every morning, this blog is for you.
You are someone who is wondering only one question: “Is lasik eye surgery in Houston, TX better than glasses or contact lenses? Which one shall I opt for?”
At Focus Refined Eye Care, Dr Bimal Patel, OD, has guided countless patients through this very question. Located in the heart of Montrose, Houston, he uses a very personalized approach using advanced diagnostic technology. He helps you understand your vision, your possible options, and what benefits your long-term eye health.
Let us understand the real difference between LASIK, glasses, and contacts to help you make an informed decision.
What is LASIK? Is It Really a Safe Option?
LASIK stands for 'Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis'. As the name implies, the procedure uses a laser to reshape the cornea. Doctors do so in a manner that light focuses correctly on the retina and delivers clear vision. As a result, you will have a clear vision without the daily hassle of wearing glasses or contact lenses.
At Focus Refined Eye Care, the lasik eye surgery is done in the following simple steps:
Numbing eye drops are applied so that you don’t feel any pain.
A laser is used to reshape your cornea in about 5 minutes for each eye.
Most patients notice a significant improvement within days.
There might be some side effects in the process, like mild blur. It resolves quickly. However, the serious complications are rare.
LASIK successfully corrects most of the patient’s vision to 20/20. With over half achieving a vision better than 20/20. This procedure treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Why Do Some People Just Love Glasses?
Glasses remain one of the most popular forms of vision correction. That too, for many good reasons. One, they are non-invasive. Second, they are easy to use. Finally, they allow you to showcase your personal style.
At Focus Refined Eye Care, Dr. Patel offers far more than standard prescription lenses. Here’s what sets his optical collection apart:
ZEISS Lenses – Provides 100% UV protection, which is the gold standard in optics.
ZEISS Dura Vision Blue Protect - It blocks harmful blue light from all digital screens.
Neurolens Eyeglasses – We are one of the few optometrists in Houston to offer these eyeglasses in Houston, TX. They are designed to offer you relief from conditions like:
Migraines
Eye Fatigue
Motion Sickness
Computer Strain
Dry Eyes
High-Powered Lenses – We recommend these eyeglasses for patients with keratoconus.
Designer Frames - You will get an exclusive collection of glasses from Tom Ford, MODO, Eco, and Raen.
However, the glasses you choose to wear need to be changed every 1 to 2 years. It may be because they break up easily, fog up, and require a change due to a change in prescription. If you estimate the cost for over 10 years, it will quietly snowball to $2500 or more, excluding the exam fees.
Why Do Some People Prefer Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses offer freedom from frames. It allows you to see clearly from every direction without any glasses. Focus Refined Eye Care carries premium brands like Acuvue, CooperVision, Alcon, and Bausch and Lomb. It covers everything you need, from daily-wear contact lenses to speciality lenses.
For younger patients, Dr. Patel also offers MiSight and Paragon myopia control lenses. They are clinically designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and teens. Wearing contact lenses can be one of the proactive steps to protect your vision for life.
However, wearing contact lenses also has its own set of disadvantages. The CDC estimates that around 99% of contact wearers report at least one habit at risk for eye infection. In fact, many long-term contact wearers are also associated with corneal damage, dry eyes, and conditions like keratitis. You can also check our exclusive offers for contact lenses on our website now.
A Quick Comparison Between LASIK, Glasses, and Contacts
Factor | LASIK | Glasses | Contacts |
Duration | Permanent Eye Correction | Ongoing Replacement | Ongoing Replacement |
10-Year Cost | $4000 (for one-time lasik eye surgery cost) | $2500+ | $2500-$3000 |
Convenience | Highest | Moderate | Moderate (it depends on the user and their preferences) |
Risk Level | Low (with rare complications) | None | Low-Moderate (infection risk) |
Best For | Adults with stable prescriptions | All ages, all eye conditions | Suitable for people with active lifestyles and short-term use. |
Alternatives if Not Eligible | Ortho-K, myopia control | Specialty lenses available | Specialty contacts available |
Final Thoughts
The best way for vision correction is to understand what truly fits your budget, your health history, and your lifestyle. That’s why Dr. Patel begins each of his patients’ journeys with a complete eye examination. During this test, he uses the visual acuity test, slit lamp examination, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Not every patient who comes to us qualifies for LASIK. The procedure is not suitable for children, those with thin corneas, or patients with certain health conditions. There are other alternatives available, like orthokeratology (Ortho-K), to speciality contact lenses. Call us to book an appointment to know whether you are ready for lasik eye surgery in Houston, TX, or other eye treatments.
FAQs
Is LASIK cheaper than buying glasses and contacts over time?
Yes, lasik eye surgery in the long run pays for itself. The procedure involves a one-time payment that is better than ongoing investments for eyeglasses and contact lenses in Houston, TX.
Is LASIK eye surgery painful?
No, the procedure is painful. Before beginning the surgery, our eye doctors apply numbing eye drops. It ensures that there is no discomfort during the procedure. You may feel a slight sense of pressure for a few seconds. A few hours later, you might get a scratchy feeling after which your eyes heal.
How long does it take to recover from LASIK eye surgery?
It depends on one patient to another. Some patients show remarkable improvement in their vision within 24 to 48 hours. They may return to work the very next day, but their eyes may take longer to stabilize.