All three correct focusing errors such as short sight, long sight and astigmatism. The best choice depends on your eyes, your work and how you live.
| Glasses | Contact lenses | LASIK and laser surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Lenses in a frame in front of the eyes | Thin lenses that sit on the eye | A laser reshapes the cornea |
| Suitable for | Almost everyone, any age | Most adults and older children who can look after lenses | Adults over 18 with a stable power and healthy, thick enough corneas |
| Upkeep | Low | Daily cleaning and replacement | Eye drops for a few weeks after surgery |
| Main risks | Very few | Infection if hygiene rules are not followed | Dry eye and glare for a few months; rare complications |
| Reversible | Yes | Yes | No |
Which suits whom
- Glasses: They suit everyone and are the safest choice, especially for children and people whose power is changing.
- Contact lenses: They suit sport, active lifestyles and people who dislike frames, if hygiene rules are followed strictly.
- Laser surgery: It suits adults with a stable power who want to depend less on glasses, after a careful assessment.