With endless styles of eyeglasses available, the option of daily or monthly contact lenses and the increasing popularity of vision corrective procedures such as LASIK, these days people have numerous options to improve their vision easily and quickly.
However, there are a number of factors to consider with lifestyle, comfort, convenience, budget and aesthetics all playing a role in the decision-making process.
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai are on hand to make the decision process as easy and convenient as possible with the hospital’s team of expert ophthalmologists able to advise patients on the best option for them, and the benefits of each, including LASIK eye surgery.
“Before deciding between contacts and glasses, keep in mind that one is not necessarily better than the other; each has its pros and cons in terms of vision, ease of use and eye health,” said Dr Sandra Fiorentini, Specialist Ophthalmologist in Refractive Vision Correction Surgery and External Eye diseases at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai.
“Eyeglasses generally are cheaper than contact lenses over the long term. However, eyeglasses sit about 12mm from your eyes, so peripheral vision can be distorted.
“In addition, some people don’t like how they look in glasses and feel it detracts from their facial aesthetics or hides their features,’ said Dr. Fiorentini.
“Another disadvantage is that your vision can be blurred when the glasses fog up in humid weather besides the fact that some frames can exert constant pressure on your nose and behind your ears, leading to headaches and general discomfort.”
Contact lenses are a common choice for many patients, however, some people can have difficulties applying contact lens to their eyes.
“This can be a problem, but proper technique and practice taught by your ophthalmologist should rectify this,” said Dr. Fiorentini.
“Proper lens care and lens case cleaning each day is imperative to avoid potentially serious eye infections. If you can’t commit to the care and recommended replacement cycle of your contacts, you can consider daily disposables.”
For patients who dislike the idea of wearing eyeglasses and find contact lenses uncomfortable, LASIK is an increasingly popular option offered by Moorfields, said Dr. Fiorentini.
“I say to my patients who come to me looking for laser eye surgery that they have chosen the option to own their vision instead of renting it with glasses and contact lenses.
“The concept of LASIK means you can be independent of glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is painless, the recovery time is quick, and vision is corrected nearly immediately or by the day after.”
Many patients report that their vision after LASIK is better than it ever was with either glasses or contact lenses, said Dr. Fiorentini.
“LASIK can be a positive, life-enhancing event for the patient,” said Dr Fiorentini, adding that the risks involved in LASIK are directly related to the type of service offered.
“The right surgeon using the right technology is almost certain to achieve superb outcomes and minimize all the risks inherent to the procedure.”
Moorfields, said Dr. Fiorentini uses the best and most up to date equipment to carry out laser surgery. Patients are given the highest levels of pre and post op care to ensure they are well prepared and completely recovered after undergoing surgery.
Moorfields Dubai provides world class outpatient diagnostic and treatment for the full range of both surgical and non-surgical related eye conditions, for both adults and children, from basic screenings and eye health checks, to retinal surgery, laser refractive surgery, cataracts, corneal grafts, diabetic retinopathy treatment, squint correction surgery, oculoplastic surgery, genetic eye disease consultations and counseling, and ocular oncology services through permanent and visiting consultants.
