LASIK Trumps CL Wear, Patients Report

By Rebecca Hepp

A recent study published in the August issue ofOphthalmology found that contact lens wearers who chose to have LASIK were more satisfied with their vision compared with patients who continued with contact lens wear—and their satisfaction increased two and even three years post-procedure. 

Patient self-reported data suggests LASIK provides better vision long-term compared with contact lens wear.

Using follow-up surveys, the study found contact lens satisfaction declined with time, as 63% of patients initially expressed strong satisfaction with contact lens wear at the beginning of the study, and only 54% expressed the same sentiment by year three. 

“This study shows that the control arm of contact lens wearers became less satisfied with their contacts over time, which makes it even more important for us to ask how their current vision correction affects their quality of life,” says Walter O. Whitley, OD, of Virginia Eye Consultants. “It reinforces the importance of optometrists staying involved in educating patients on all refractive treatment options available, including LASIK.”

LASIK patients in the study consistently expressed strong satisfaction: 88% of former contact lens users and 77% of former glasses wearers reported being strongly satisfied with LASIK at year three, which was consistent with responses at years one and two.

“With the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction rates at an all-time high, LASIK surgery will continue to be a popular refractive option,” Dr. Whitley says. “Patients need to know what we do, and we need to proactively educate our patients that LASIK is a great option for many. Just like we do for vision and medical eye care, we need to advertise and market our refractive surgery services because if we don’t, patients will bypass our practices and go straight to the LASIK center. Optometry needs to be their source of information.”