While LASIK eye surgery is a great option for many people who need vision correction, it is not appropriate for all people. Typically, candidates for this type of surgery should generally be in good health and be over the age of 19. Additionally, eyesight should be stable for a period of at least one year prior to the procedure. However, there are a number of conditions that can prevent LASIK, including autoimmune disorders, severely dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma and eye scarring.
What can you do if you cannot have LASIK surgery? Fortunately, there are a number of great ways to correct vision without having a major surgical procedure. While glasses are almost always an available option, many people strongly dislike this type of eyewear. If you want to correct your eyesight without glasses or LASIK, consider giving 30-day contact lenses a try.
The Benefits of 30-Day Contact Lenses
There are two major types of contact lenses: daily wear and extended wear. As the name suggests, daily wear contacts are meant to be worn only during the day, which means they must be taken out each night before bed. Typically, you must switch to a new pair of lenses once each week or each month. Extended wear lenses can be left in for a much longer period of time, eliminating the need to remove your contacts each night. Sometimes referred to as “continuous wear lenses,” these contacts can typically be worn for a period of seven days or even up to a full 30 days.
These long-wearing contacts are a great option for many people who cannot have LASIK due to health or financial reasons. Because these lenses can be worn for an extended period of time, you don’t need to worry about a time consuming nightly eye care ritual. Patients can also choose between “soft” and “hard” lenses, making it easy to choose the option that is the most comfortable and appealing.
Potential Risks of 30-Day Contact Lenses
While these lenses have many benefits, there are also potential risks of which all patients should be aware. Because 30-day lenses are not removed each night, there is an increased risk of eye infection. When left untreated, these infections can potentially compromise or harm vision. Exposure to chlorinated water and cigarette smoke can cause troubles with these lenses, but improper cleaning is often the most common cause of problems.
While only you can decide if 30-day lenses are the right option for you as opposed to LASIK surgery, always discuss your concerns with your eye care professional in order to make the best possible decision. If LASIK eye surgery is not an option, consider a quality alternative such as 30-day contact lenses. Always observe the basic safety and eye care procedures that your doctor recommends in order to make the most of your vision correction choice, whether it be LASIK or not. In all cases, your lenses should feel comfortable, your eye should look good and you should be able to see clearly. If you experience any problems with the feel, appearance or performance of your lenses, remove them immediately and consult your eye doctor right away.