We prefer the convenience clear vision can give us, but we weren’t all blessed with the gift of 20/20 vision. In fact, at least a whopping 80% of the Singapore population is myopic. [1]
Of course, we can always turn to borrowed vision – by relying on our clunky spectacles or the seemingly god-send contact lenses to regain our vision. Technology also offers the permanent solution to our less-than-perfect-vision woes in the form of LASIK (laser eye surgery).
Weighing the risks of contact lenses vs LASIK
For those of you who are thinking to do LASIK in Singapore. You might be thinking, after all, LASIK is a surgery – so it’s got to be more dangerous than contact lenses, right? This may not necessarily be true! In fact, it has been found that the risks of wearing contact lenses may ‘snowball’ over time, far outweighing the danger of LASIK. [2]
The complications of the surgery mostly occur over a brief period of time – such as post-surgery eye infection, corneal haze, haloes, glares, etc. Given the current technology level, LASIK is a safe and trustworthy procedure in the majority of cases. Needless to say, this risk can be mitigated by applying the prescribed eye drops and carefully following your eye surgeon’s instructions post-surgery.
However, putting on your lenses over the long-term is potentially risky and the risk accumulates over the long-term. What dangers could contact lenses possibly pose? One of the most serious complications could possibly be bacterial keratitis, which may end up in near-blindness in 5% of the cases. The risks are even greater with the improper use of contact lenses – such as sleeping in them and not washing your hands prior.
Travelling can be a hassle with contact lenses. LASIK makes your travels more convenient and fun!
After LASIK, gone are the days when you would have to rely on your contact lenses. You can officially cross off contact lens solutions, contact lens casing and spectacles from your packing list! You can save that luggage space for your overseas hauls instead!
If you are a lover of the great outdoors, imagine how convenient mountain hiking would be without your contacts! Finally, you can travel light and save the trouble of putting on your contacts every morning. Enjoy the breath-taking sceneries with your naked eye after LASIK!
LASIK is a one-time investment. Whereas, you may need to spend more over the long run if you are wearing contact lenses.
You may feel the pinch if you were to fork out the one-time cost of LASIK in Singapore. However, if you were to calculate your spending on contact lenses (especially the dailies), you would be surprised that it is much more expensive over the long run! [3] If you are wearing both glasses & contact lenses, add on the cost of spectacles to that amount as well!
Estimated spending over a period of 10 years:
LASIK: $3,600 – $6,000
Contact Lenses: $7,000 – $10,000
Spectacles: $1,500 – $5,000
P.S. Many LASIK clinics in Singapore even offer 6 or 12 months installment plans when you make payment using your Singapore issued credit cards.
References:
[1] Seet B, Wong TY, Tan DTH, et al (2001). Myopia in Singapore: taking a public health approach. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 85:521-526
[2] Mathers WD, Fraunfelder FW, Rich LF (2006). Risk of Lasik Surgery vs Contact Lenses. Arch Ophthalmol. 124(10):1510–1511. doi:10.1001/archopht.124.10.1510-b
[3] Seet J. (2018). The Ultimate Comparison: Is Lasik Worth The Money, from https://blog.seedly.sg/the-ultimate-comparison-is-lasik-worth-the-money/
