LASIK vs Contact Lenses

Hi, it’s Dr. Chotiner from Memorial Eye Institute. When I tell people I’m a LASIK surgeon, some of them ask me: “Why should I choose LASIK over Contact Lenses?”

Risks of LASIK

Most LASIK patients end up with 20/20 vision, and about half end up with eyesight that is better than 20/20 without glasses. Choosing a skilled surgeon can improve outcomes and lower the risk. You should also ask if you are a good candidate for LASIK.

With LASIK, there is a minor risk of vision loss. A 2020 study found that less than 1% of LASIK patients lost up to two lines on the eye chart of vision after surgery.

It’s possible for some patients to suffer from short-term vision disturbances such as dry eyes, halos, unusual glares, and difficulty focusing following LASIK. These symptoms are usually only temporary. While a minority of LASIK patients develop chronic eye pain or serious infections.

Risks of Contact Lenses

A 2017 review found that as many as 47% of contact lens users develop conjunctivitis – a type of eye infection sometimes called pink eye – at some point. 50% report dry eye, and up to 93% report lens-related discomfort.

Also, another possible risk is Keratitis, a type of infection that may threaten vision even if not properly treated.

The rate of complications increases when people misuse contacts, such as by wearing them for too long or when they are dirty. Complications also vary with the type of lens a person chooses and whether they have underlying eye health issues.

In conclusion

In most cases, the complications of wearing contacts build slowly, steadily damaging the eye, while complications related to LASIK happen shortly after treatment.

So, is LASIK better than contacts? This is a question only you and your eye doctor can answer, but the evidence shows that LASIK is a more convenient and long-term solution to a huge range of eye problems.

To find out more about our pioneering LASIK solutions, and know which treatment is best for you, please book online for a free virtual vision assessment on our website today.

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I was well taken care of. They took good care of my things. Dr. Erik Chotiner did an excellent job. I am so happy to see quite clearly with my eye that has macular degeneration.
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Very happy with all the staff, from check in, check out and nursing in pre op. Amazing. Very clean facility. Dr. Chotiner is so efficient and fast. Would recommend him to everyone.
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Excellent care and personal attention are provided at Memorial Eye. Hats off to Dr. E. Chotiner, nurses and staff for making my experience there so great!
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I had cataract surgery and correction of an astigmatism. In one word......excellent!
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I am a first time patient at your practice. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. Overall it was a great experience. I did not realize how bad my vision was. I am amazed! The get well flowers were a nice touch!
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Surgery was quick and easy. Staff was very pleasant. Would recommend Dr. Chotiner very highly.
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Service is very complete and professional. Dr. Erik Chotiner was very friendly and able to answer all of my questions. I am very pleased with service and will recommend.
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I would recommend Memorial Eye Institute and Dr. Erik Chotiner for their expertise. They are all very professional and caring for their patients. It was an excellent experience.
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Take this quick quiz to see if you can be free of glasses and contacts

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK. Your options change depending on your eyes, your age and your lifestyle. Find out which type of treatment (if any), is right for you by taking this 2 min quiz now:

Recognized leaders in Harrisburg LASIK eye surgery

CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …

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Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …

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