Seventy-five percent of adults in the United States use some form of vision correction. With so many vision correction options — including contact lenses, glasses, refractive and laser surgeries — there’s no need to let poor vision go unchecked. But how do you choose the right one for you? If you need help getting your sight back to tip-top shape, start with this guide.
Glasses — Glasses, the most traditional way to correct poor eyesight, are an effective and fashionable way to see better. When buying glasses, both frames and prescription lenses must be purchased, unless you’re replacing older lenses with newer ones in a sturdy frame. Glasses can come in many styles, and the lenses can help with several vision problems.
Contact lenses — When people think of contacts, they usually think of the soft lens that slips over the eye. However, that is just one type of contact. There are also hard lenses, known as rigid gas-permeable lenses. Both options help with vision correction, and just like glasses, there’s a variety of contacts to choose from.
Refractive and laser surgery — Just like the name implies, refractive surgery is for correcting refractive vision issues in a more permanent way than contacts or glasses. This procedure uses lasers to reshape the cornea, which allows more light to enter the eye. When you hear people talk about LASIK surgery, this is what they’re referencing. There are different types of refractive surgeries, like LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).
Surgical implants and replacements — Additional procedures to fix vision issues involve changing parts of the eye or adding new components to correct vision problems. These surgeries include refractive lens exchange (RLE), presbyopic lens exchange (PRELEX), intracorneal ring segments (Intacs or ICR), Phakic intraocular lens implants, and astigmatic keratotomy (LRI).
How to choose the right vision correction for you
Your eye doctor can recommend which correcting device is ideal for your vision problems and, together, you can find the option you are most comfortable with. Here are some things to consider when picking the vision correction tool for you:
Glasses:
- Pros: Original vision correctors, easy to wear and clean, endless frame options to suit your style, easily customizable.
- Cons: Easily broken, can be pricey, only help front vision field (not periphery), can be uncomfortable when worn during long periods of time, can get fogged up, scratched, and smudged.
Contacts:
- Pros: Can be worn during physical activities like sports, gives a natural field of vision, can’t be detected on your face, are more affordable, and can change the color of your eyes.
- Cons: Require high maintenance, need to be washed and stored correctly, require touching your eyeballs, and improper usage can lead to eye problems.
Refractive and laser surgery:
- Pros: Quick and safe vision correction option, no need to wear contacts or glasses after the procedure, and significant improvements in vision.
- Cons: Not everyone is eligible for the procedure, risks from the surgery include dry eyes, and patients may need the procedure again in the future.
Maintain good vision
Just as you visit the dentist to practice preventive oral health care, it’s equally important that you take regular trips to the eye doctor to ensure the health of your eyes.
If you’re looking for vision coverage, Delta Dental of Colorado now sells vision plans for groups and individuals. To learn more about DeltaVision®, click here.