The human eye is a vital portal through which we perceive the beauty of the world and the people around us. A slight problem with these windows of the soul affects how we connect with other people.
It may also cause suffering leading to reduced productivity and diminished quality of life. That’s why vision correction is a big step.
You have multiple options to improve your eyesight if you have a correctable vision impairment. And like other medical procedures, there are various decisions and considerations to make when deciding on the ideal vision corrective approach or device. Let’s evaluate.
When to Get an Eye Exam
Start by deciding when and how often to see your doctor. According to the CDC, vision impairment is one of the leading disabilities among adults in the USA. Unfortunately, most people at the risk of vision loss aren’t even aware of their uncorrected but correctable eyesight.
Early diagnosis and timely intervention can be productive and relatively cost-effective at treating common vision problems, such as;
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- And refractive errors, including astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Generally speaking, everyone should get a complete eye exam at least once every one to two years. The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises healthy individuals with no history of vision problems to have a comprehensive eye test at age 40- when vision problems start kicking in.
That being said, you may want to book an eye exam right away if you experience any of these warning signs;
- Ongoing eye pain
- Eye infection (symptoms include red, itchy or swollen eyelids and eye whites with discolored pink coloration)
- Abnormal tearing or discharge
- Double vision or problem focusing
- Sudden vision loss
- Floaters or flashers
- Light sensitivity
- Dry or itchy eyes
Types of Contact Lenses
Contacts are the go-to option for most people because they don’t clash with your head-turning style ideas.
When it comes to buying these devices, the biggest decision you’ll make is choosing between daily contact lenses vs monthly vs weekly. There are advantages and disadvantages to the three types. Your choice depends on your vision prescription, style, budget and convenience needs.
Here is a glance at the pros and cons of each.
Daily Wear Contacts
Pros
- Comfortable- because they are thinner, they can retain a higher water content and remain moist for extended periods.
- Less protein build-up leads to a reduced risk of blurred vision and eye damage.
- They don’t need maintenance.
- The risk of eye infection is significantly reduced because you wear a fresh pair of sterile contacts each morning.
- There’s no need for contact solutions.
Cons
- They tend to be expensive.
- The temptation to reuse is high, but it’s not worth the risk.
- One-a-day contacts are not as eco-friendly as monthly lenses
Weekly and Monthly Contact Lenses
Pros
- They are more convenient, especially if you’re not a “morning person.”
- Weekly and monthly lenses are relatively cheaper than dailies.
- They generate less waste compared to daily disposable contacts.
- Most weeklies and monthlies have FDA approval for overnight use.
- They can be worn for short periods and stored for later use
Cons
- Maintaining and storing weekly, biweekly and monthly contact lenses can add to your hectic schedule.
- Extended wear contact lenses require proper care to lower the risk of complications.
- Overwear is likely unless you’re a really good planner.
- Contacts worn more than once are more likely to cause allergies and chronic irritation.
Glasses- Are They Better than Contacts?
When deciding between glasses and contact lenses, it’s important to note that none of them is better, especially in terms of correcting vision impairment. In both cases, your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eyes and use the information to prescribe the ideal eyeglasses or lenses.
Your choice between contact and lenses will be largely based on your budget, comfort, lifestyle and aesthetics.
Eyeglasses take an early lead in terms of cost-effectiveness. Although the initial outlay may be steep if you don’t have vision insurance, glasses tend to be cheaper over time. The freedom to purchase moderately priced frames and replace prescription lenses annually makes these devices even more cost-effective.
Also, glasses are less likely to irritate your eyes or make your problem worse because they don’t come into contact with the eye surface. Prescription glasses are a fashion statement, too, and can protect your eyes from dust, debris and wind- something that contacts don’t.
However, like contacts, eyeglasses have their weaknesses. For instance, thick-edged glasses may be unappealing and interfere with your style.
Secondly, because they sit almost half an inch in front of the eye, glasses are more likely to cause peripheral vision distortion.
Lastly, you may want to speak to your doctor for recommendations on the best vision correction glasses for sports. Otherwise, regular eyeglasses may be a safety concern due to their high risk of shattering upon impact.
Vision Correction Surgery (LASIK)- Should You Consider it?
LASIK, which stands for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is an excellent alternative for contact lenses and glasses. This type of eye surgery is used to fix vision problems caused by refractive errors, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
During LASIK, your surgeon will use a highly specialized instrument called excimer or microkeratome laser to reshape your cornea gently. Although you’ll be awake throughout the process, LASIK is not painful. The surgeon will use topical anesthetic drops to numb the eye, and you may also offer you a mild oral sedative like valium if you’re nervous.
Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery
- High success rate- it’s estimated that over 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or even higher.
- LASIK is an outpatient procedure- the surgery lasts roughly 30 minutes. Most patients can drive home afterward and return to work in around two days.
- There’s almost no pain involved.
- The procedure does not involve stitches or bandages.
Disadvantages of LASIK
- It’s not for everyone- although LASIK is approved for anyone above 18 years, the best candidates are those in the 18-40 age bracket. Also, you may be disqualified for LASIK if you have unstable vision, unresolved eyesight problems from previous surgeries and health disorders that may affect recovery time, such as AIDS and diabetes.
- It’s expensive- on average, LASIK costs around $3000 per eye
Budget
BudgetVision correction using contact lenses, glasses, or LASIK is not cheap. That being said, it’s obvious to ask whether your healthcare insurance provider will cover the cost.The good news is that most health insurance plans will cover your eye exam costs, lenses, and glasses. But note that most providers have limits on how much they will pay. Also, depending on your plan, your insurer may limit you to a new pair of glasses every two years. For those reasons, it’s essential to contact your provider before buying contact lenses or prescription glasses online.It’s a different case for LASIK, though. Because most health insurers consider it an elective procedure (meaning not medically necessary), it may be a challenge to get them to cover the cost. However, many people find LASIK to be a worthwhile investment in their long-term vision, often reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. If you’re considering the procedure, it’s helpful to understand the cost of lasik eye surgery and what factors influence pricing, such as the surgeon’s experience, technology used, and location.Taking good care of your eyes is crucial for ensuring a healthy and happy life. The sooner you start doing this, the higher the chances of stopping an
