LASIK safer than contacts

Recent research shows that in the long run, LASIK is safer than wearing contact lenses.

An analysis performed at Oregon University reviewed and compared several large studies for safety of contact lens wear vs. LASIK eye surgery.

The results of the study, published in the October 2006 issue of “Archives of Ophthalmology”, are as follows:

  • Contact lens wearers have approximately a 1.0% risk of developing a serious contact lens related sight-threatening eye infection with long-term use.
  • Contact lens wearers have about a 1-in-2,000 (0.05%) chance of experiencing significant vision loss as a result of eye infection caused by contact lenses.
  • The risks associated with contact lenses accumulate over years of wear and actually increase when lenses are worn overnight or are not cleaned and disinfected properly.
  • Almost everyone who wears contact lenses violates some principal of proper use at some point.
  • Contact lens-related infections can occur even when proper lens wear and lens care guidelines are followed.

Currently, about 20 to 25 million people in the U.S. wear contact lenses. Approximately 1.3 million Americans each year choose to have LASIK and laser vision correction surgery.

Proper lens care and avoiding overnight wear or excessive hours of daytime lens wear are key factors in managing the risks associated with contact lenses. But several studies have shown that most contact lens wearers wear their lenses too long and/or don’t care for them properly.

Dr. Niksarli Contributes to Milestone “1,000th Blade-Free LASIK Procedure”

Dr. Niksarli is One of the First Select Surgeons in the Nation to Offer Blade-Free LASIK

Dr. Niksarli of Manhattan & NJ Lasik Centers is among a select number of ophthalmic surgeons whose work has contributed toward the milestone one millionth all-laser LASIK procedure using the IntraLase Method. Dr. Niksarli is one of the first surgeons in the entire country to offer blade-free LASIK with the IntraLase Method, and has completed over 25,000 successful LASIK procedures to date.

The IntraLase FS laser is the first technology for a truly all-laser, blade-free LASIK procedure, using a computer-guided, ultra-fast femtosecond laser. “Creation of LASIK corneal flaps with the blade-free approach is a very comforting message to patients, since it addresses one of their primary obstacles – fear of the surgery“, comments Dr. Niksarli.

Blade-Free Option with All-Laser LASIK

According to Dr. Niksarli, the IntraLase FS laser uses an infrared light beam, generating 60,000 pulses per second, to prepare the intracorneal bed and create the corneal flap in the first step of LASIK, all within seconds.

The IntraLase laser creates a distinctive beveled-edge flap, which allows for precise repositioning, alignment and seating after LASIK is completed. Dr. Niksarli, noted that the completion of approximately one million IntraLase Method procedures demonstrates an impressive safety profile for patients. LASIK with the advanced IntraLase Method, he added, also has been clinically proven to deliver excellent visual outcomes in both standard and Custom LASIK procedures with patients achieving 20/20 or better vision. Dr. Niksarli counsels each patient as to which technology best suits their anatomy to achieve the clearest vision.