One of the most popular types of surgery in this country is laser eye surgery. As a matter of fact, it has become so popular that, for many, it is thought of as a simple and minor operation. Keep in mind, however, any surgery is potentially hazardous.

That is why thousands of individuals who typically are wearing contact lenses in their day to day lives question whether they ought to take the further step and replace their contact lenses with laser eye surgery. Of course, as with most decisions, there are benefits and drawbacks to each. The primary advantage of laser surgery is that you no longer have to be concerned of possibly losing your contact lenses and temporarily being without sight. The primary benefit of contact lenses is that you don't have to worry about losing you eye sight permanently.

These two options have many things in common. But, the real common thread that runs between both of these options is that each option allows those who have relatively minor vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism to live their lives without having to wear glasses. And for some activities that you would like to be involved in, eyeglasses can severely hamper your performance. And, in most sports, they are also inconvenient. Laser eye surgery and contact lenses, each allow you to escape from being dependent on your glasses.

But, one of the more relevant contrasts between these two distinct ways of living without glasses is the issue of cost. Particularly with many people having money problems. And, although the cost of laser eye procedures have been recently coming down, they are still more than buying a pair of contact lenses for yourself.

As an example, you would most likely spend no more than a couple of hundred of dollars if you were to buy contact lenses. On the other hand, laser eye surgery could very well cost you four thousand dollars or more contingent on the city where you have your surgery and the specific surgeon. Not only that, but since laser eye surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure by many insurance companies, your surgical expenses might not be reimbursed.

But cost is note the really most important issue. The major issue with going through laser eye surgery, instead of choosing to wear contact lenses, is that not all surgeons are equal. Frankly, the do not all have the same degree of skill. And. if you read the newspapers and watch the news, you will see that many patients who have taken the surgical route have later complained of post op problems with their eyes ranging from having a constant case of dry eye to seeing halos..

But there are more serious claims as well. For example, some claims involve charges that the laser eye surgery caused damage in the cornea of the eye which resulted in the outcome of their vision being worse after the surgery than it was prior to the surgery. And, lastly, surgery is usually not just a one time deal. The eyes are not static. They change constantly as we get older, which is why those who wear glasses are constantly getting new prescriptions. So, even after the most successful surgery, at some time in the future, you will probably need an additional one.

Your eyes are one of the most important senses that you posses. And any determination that you decide on regarding your eyes is important. So, prior to making any decision as to if you should go with contact lenses or surgery, speak to both your ophthalmologist and a recommended eye surgeon for their unbiased suggestions.