Should I choose LASIK or glasses?

• LASIK (Laser Eye Surgery) is a laser-assisted refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to focus light precisely on the retina. It corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, improving vision and reducing reliance on glasses or contact lenses in daily life.
• LASIK is suitable for those who want to stop wearing glasses/contact lenses, are 18 years or older, have stable vision for at least one year, have good eye health without severe dry eye, work in professions requiring mobility, and have minimal health limitations.
• LASIK is ideal for those who want mobility, can live/play sports without glasses, and are willing to accept the risks of surgery. Prescription glasses are suitable for those seeking a safe, easily adjustable, non-surgical vision correction method.

Vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism are common today, especially among people who spend long hours looking at screens. Many people may wonder whether they should choose LASIK or glasses. Both are effective solutions for vision problems, but they cater to different lifestyles. For those who are still hesitant about whether glasses are a better option or how long LASIK surgery lasts, this article has the answers!

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a laser-assisted refractive surgery that corrects vision problems. An ophthalmologist reshapes the curvature of the cornea to refract light precisely onto the retina. This helps people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism regain clear vision, largely eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Advantages

• Permanent vision correction Precisely corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, increasing freedom of life.
• Short recovery time Surgery is quick per eye, and most patients see improvement within 24 hours.
• Minimal incision size No sutures required, minimizing the risk of infection and irritation.
• Extensive freedom of movement Convenient for sports, exercise, or active lifestyles without worrying about glasses or contact lenses falling out.
• Safe A globally recognized medical technology when performed under the care of a specialist.

Who is LASIK suitable for?

• People who want to stop wearing glasses/contact lenses; those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that affect their daily lives.
• People aged 18 and older with stable vision for at least one year.
• People with good eye health, sufficient corneal thickness, no keratoconus, or severe dry eye. Occupations that emphasize mobility, such as athletes, pilots, flight attendants, or those working outdoors.
• People with minimal health limitations, no chronic diseases that affect wound healing (such as uncontrolled diabetes), and not pregnant or breastfeeding.

LASIK vs. Glasses Which is Better?

LASIK

Advantages

• Clear vision without glasses or contact lenses; high mobility.
• Convenient for those who enjoy exercising or water sports like swimming and diving, where glasses can be a hindrance.
• Reduces maintenance burden; no need to worry about cleaning contact lenses, lost glasses, or broken lenses.
• Cost-effective in the long run; if vision remains stable, results can last for many years with a single treatment.

Disadvantages

• Vision may change in the future, requiring glasses or repeat treatments.
• Side effects include dry eyes initially or glare/halo at night, affecting driving.
• High cost; a significant upfront expense and inherent surgical risks such as infection.
• Age limitation Individuals over 40 may still need reading glasses after LASIK.

Glasses

Advantages

• Safe; no surgery; no risk of corneal inflammation or complications.
• Easy to change; lenses can be replaced as needed, with no limit on the number of changes.
• Versatile; various lens options available, such as blue light filtering lenses. Or progressive lenses that provide clear vision at all distances.
• They enhance your appearance and also act as a shield against wind and dust entering your eyes.
  More economical; overall, the cost is less than LASIK.

Disadvantages

• Inconvenience May feel cumbersome during active activities or cause fogging when wearing a face mask.
• Limited field of vision Vision is limited by the glasses frame, and if your nearsightedness is severe, the lenses will be thick and heavy.
• Furthermore, there's a chance of glasses breaking, snapping, or getting lost, leading to frequent replacements and expenses.

Who is LASIK suitable for?

• People with stable vision who are of legal age and want to end their long-term dependence on glasses.
• People with specific activities or professions athletes, outdoor workers, or those with limitations on wearing glasses.
• People with good eye health, who have been examined by a doctor and confirmed to have sufficient corneal thickness and do not have severe dry eye or corneal bulging.
• People who understand the risks, accept the limitations that the results may vary, and accept potential side effects after surgery.

Who is LASIK suitable for?

• Those prioritizing safety, who want to avoid the risks of surgery, or are concerned about side effects.
• Those with unstable vision, teenagers or students whose vision is subject to change.
• Those with anatomical limitations of the eye, those with very thin corneas or eye health problems that a doctor assesses make LASIK unsuitable.
• Those seeking flexible functionality, those who need specialized lenses such as progressive lenses (for all distances), blue light filtering lenses, or photochromic lenses.
• Those who love fashion, those who see glasses as an accessory to enhance their personality and want the convenience of changing frames to match trends.

Preparation before LASIK

1. Avoid wearing contact lenses. Soft lenses should be avoided for at least 5-7 days, while hard lenses should be avoided for the period prescribed by your doctor to allow the cornea to return to its original shape.
2. Provide detailed health information. Inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, medications you regularly take, especially acne medication or blood thinners, and any history of eye surgery.
3. Avoid wearing makeup, moisturizing creams, perfumes, or hairspray of any kind for hygiene and to prevent infection.
4. Plan your travel and time off work. Have someone pick you up and drop you off after the surgery, as your vision will be temporarily blurred. And you should rest your eyes for at least 1-3 days before the procedure.
5. Prepare recovery equipment, provide good quality sunglasses, artificial tears as prescribed by your doctor, and keep your living space clean and dust-free.
6. Get enough rest, sleep soundly before the surgery day, and relax to receive instructions from the staff.

How long do the results of LASIK last?

In most cases, the results last for more than 10 years or even a lifetime if the procedure is performed when your vision has stabilized. However, as you get older, around 40 years and older, you may experience presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or a slight return of nearsightedness due to heavy eye strain, which may require wearing glasses only when necessary.

How much does LASIK cost?

• Conventional/SBK LASIK costs approximately 30,000 – 40,000 baht. This is a standard technique that uses an automatic blade to create a corneal flap before using a laser to reshape the curvature of the inner cornea.
• PRK/Trans-PRK technique costs approximately 33,000 – 50,000 baht. This method does not involve separating the corneal layers. However, laser or direct corneal peeling is suitable for those with thin corneas or those in occupations/activities with a risk of eye impact, such as boxers and police officers.
• Bladeless LASIK (Femto-LASIK) costs approximately 45,000 – 80,000 baht. This technique uses a low-energy laser (Femtosecond Laser) to create a corneal flap instead of a blade, resulting in a smoother and more precise incision and reducing the risk of corneal flap complications.
• Specialized technologies such as ReLEx SMILE / SMILE Pro cost approximately 60,000 – 110,000 baht and above. This is the latest innovation that corrects vision through a small incision of only 2-4 millimeters without opening the corneal flap.

LASIK at Vibhavadi Hospital

For anyone with vision problems, who wants convenience in daily life without relying on glasses, or who is unsure whether to choose LASIK or glasses, consult an ophthalmologist at Vibhavadi Hospital. We are ready to provide care and advice before you make a decision, under the care of expert physicians, to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your vision problems. Meeting your lifestyle needs even better.

Summary

The choice between LASIK and glasses depends on individual lifestyle and eye health. LASIK is an innovative laser-assisted corneal curvature procedure that permanently and precisely corrects vision problems. It's suitable for individuals 18 years and older who require high flexibility and stable vision. Glasses, on the other hand, are a non-surgical option offering high flexibility in adjusting lenses to accommodate changing vision. They are ideal for those concerned about side effects.

Therefore, LASIK requires strict preparation according to the doctor's instructions for maximum safety and worthwhile long-term results. You can consult an ophthalmologist at Vibhavadi Hospital before making a decision. Doctors are ready to advise you on different LASIK procedures and post-operative care to ensure the best possible solution, improving your vision and allowing you to live life to the fullest.