LASIK vs. Contact Lenses

Millions of people rely on contact lenses for daily vision correction, but LASIK offers a permanent alternative that eliminates the need for ongoing lens care. If you’ve ever wondered whether LASIK or SMILE LASIK is worth considering, it’s important to look beyond the upfront cost and think about long-term value. This comparison breaks down the financial investment, safety considerations, and lifestyle advantages of LASIK versus contact lenses.

The Long-Term Cost of Contact Lenses

Many people assume contact lenses are the more budget-friendly option simply because they spread out the cost over time. However, the expenses associated with lenses, solutions, and supplies can add up significantly.

The cost of LASIK, on the other hand, is a one-time investment. While the upfront cost is higher, many people find that within a few years, they’ve already spent more on contact lenses than the total cost of LASIK. Instead of paying for vision correction indefinitely, LASIK allows you to make a single investment that can last decades.

Health & Safety: LASIK vs. Contact Lenses

A common concern about LASIK is the potential risks associated with surgery. However, what many people don’t realize is that wearing contact lenses also carries health risks—some of which are surprisingly common.

Approximately 45 million Americans wear contact lenses, yet up to 90% of wearers do not follow proper lens care x Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention S Go to Source guidelines. One-third of users admit to sleeping in their lenses, increasing the risk of corneal inflammation, corneal ulcers, and x Trusted Source Corneal Infections Associated with Sleeping in Contact Lenses - Six Cases, United States, 2016-2018 Cope JR, Konne NM, Jacobs DS, Dhaliwal DK, Rhee MK, Yin J, Steinemann TL Go to Source bacterial infections. Even less-than-perfect hygiene when handling or storing contact lenses can lead to severe eye infections—and in some cases, x Trusted Source Risk factors for microbial keratitis with contemporary contact lenses: a case-control study Dart JK, Radford CF, Minassian D, Verma S, Stapleton F Go to Source permanent vision loss.

In fact, research shows that people who wear contact lenses are three times more likely to develop microbial keratitis compared to those who have had x Trusted Source Risk factors for microbial keratitis with contemporary contact lenses: a case-control study Dart JK, Radford CF, Minassian D, Verma S, Stapleton F Go to Source LASIK. Experts estimate that the risk of complications from wearing contact lenses is actually higher than the risks associated with x Trusted Source Contact Lens Safety for the Correction of Refractive Error in Healthy Eyes Rhee MK, Jacobs DS, Dhaliwal DK, Szczotka-Flynn L, Prescott CR, Jhanji V, Steinemann TL, Koffler BH, Jeng BH Go to Source
vision correction surgery.

By contrast, LASIK has a proven safety record spanning more than three decades. Since 1993, over 20 million people in the U.S. have undergone LASIK, with fewer than 1% experiencing x Trusted Source Is LASIK Safe? American Refractive Surgery Council Go to Source complications. While no medical procedure is entirely risk-free, LASIK remains one of the most studied and refined surgical options, with advancements in technology like SMILE LASIK continually improving precision and outcomes.

When weighing the risks, it’s important to consider the long-term health of your eyes. Contact lenses require strict hygiene and compliance to avoid complications, whereas LASIK provides a lasting solution with an established track record of safety.

Contact Lens Intolerance: When Lenses Become Unwearable

Many people wear contact lenses for years without any issues, only to develop sudden irritation, discomfort, or sensitivity over time. This is known as Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI), a condition that affects countless individuals but is x Trusted Source Seeing Clearly Shouldn’t Be Painful: The Truth About Contact Lens Intolerance Refractive Surgery Council Go to Source rarely discussed.

Symptoms of CLI include:

• Burning or stinging sensations
• Chronic dryness and irritation
• A gritty feeling in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light

CLI can start at any time, even after years of comfortable lens use. While some people try switching to different lenses or eye drops, for many, the irritation never fully resolves. Discomfort should not be considered a normal part of wearing contact lenses. For those experiencing CLI, LASIK offers a way to eliminate the need for contacts entirely.

Environmental Impact of Contact Lenses

As people become more conscious of their environmental footprint, it’s important to consider the waste generated by disposable contact lenses.

Nearly 50% of contact lens users rely on daily disposables, creating a significant x Trusted Source Contact Lenses 2018 Nichols J, Fisher D Go to Source amount of waste.
Many contact lens wearers are unaware of recycling programs, and x Trusted Source Cornelius K Scientific American Go to Source few actively use them.
Instead of being properly discarded, an estimated 50,000 pounds of contact lenses end up in wastewater each year, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution in x Trusted Source Cornelius K Scientific American Go to Source
soil and water.

Convenience & Quality of Life Benefits

Beyond cost and safety, there’s the question of convenience. Contact lenses require daily maintenance—cleaning, inserting, removing, and replacing them on a set schedule. Forget to pack extra lenses or solution while traveling, and you’re left scrambling for a backup plan.

LASIK eliminates these concerns. Imagine waking up and being able to see right away, no longer needing to deal with irritation from extended contact lens wear. Activities like swimming, exercising, and traveling become easier when you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your lenses.

The Bottom Line: Why LASIK Is Worth Considering

While contact lenses may seem like a convenient choice at first, the ongoing expenses, risk of complications, and daily maintenance add up over time. LASIK offers a lasting alternative that can improve both your vision and your lifestyle.

If you’re in the Chicago area and considering LASIK or SMILE LASIK, Kovach Eye Institute provides expert care with advanced technology at four Chicagoland locations (Elmhurst, Naperville, South Barrington, and Lincolnwood). Contact us today to learn more about whether LASIK is right for you.