Advantages and disadvantages of surgery for nearsightedness
Advantages of surgery
- You may no longer need to wear glasses or contacts after surgery.
- You may not have to bother with the daily cleaning and care of contact lenses.
- Surgery may turn out to be less expensive than glasses or contact lenses over the long term, if you don't need corrective lenses after surgery.
Disadvantages of surgery
- Some people still need glasses after surgery but are no longer able to wear contacts. (This is not typical for PRK or LASIK.)
- The long-term risks of surgery are still unknown.
- Surgery has a risk of complications. (Complications that threaten vision are rare, though.)
- Skilled surgeons may not be available in all areas.
- Surgery and follow-up care are expensive.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: August 22, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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