Contacts, Glasses or Laser?
If your eye doctor decides that you need vision correction, you may choose which form of correction you want. Glasses and contacts are the two most popular forms of vision correction. Whatever your decision, you should first think about your options.
There are currently three widespread forms of vision correction:
Contacts
Pros
- For those with higher prescriptions, contacts can provide clearer optics
- You do not have to wear glasses
- Better vision for sports
- Increases the chance of eye infection, coming from touching your eyes (with proper cleaning and disposal, that risk is very low)
- Takes more time than putting on glasses, and takes getting used to
- More expansive than glasses
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Glasses
Pros
- Easy to wear and put on
- Do not have to store in special liquid
- Virtually no risk
- Cannot wear them for many sports
- Some people do not like the way glasses look on them
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Refractive Surgery
If you do not want to deal with contacts or wearing glasses, refractive surgery is an alternative. Refractive Surgery hopes to permanently “fix” your eyes by reshaping your cornea. The correction is not 100-percent effective, and the surgery does not work 100-percent of the time, but it does work for most patients.
The surgery is not recommended if you are under 18 because your prescription and eyes may still be changing, and they should stabilize before the surgery. As a minor, you may also run into problems signing a legal consent document. If you are interested in refractive surgery, you should first understand the surgery procedure, possible risks and possible results. A good website to look at if you are interested is http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/
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