Birmingham LASIK
Surgeon & Corneal
Specialist Marc Michelson, M.D. commented on the risks and benefits of
LASIK vs. contact lenses for swimming. “As
a corneal specialist, based on my personal clinical experience as well as the
recommendation of the FDA, contact lenses
really should not be exposed to any form of water in order to avoid eye health
risk,” expressed Dr. Michelson. “Again based on my experience as a corneal
specialist and LASIK
surgeon, anyone who swims or participates in
water sports or activities should give consideration to LASIK as the preferred
method of vision correction today,” explained Dr. Michelson. “Contact
lenses and swimming are not a good combination. With
a careful examination and thorough consultation, we have a good idea and a
great deal of confidence in the safety of and what patients can expect from
LASIK at Michelson Laser Vision.”
It is
generally known that wearing contact lenses for swimming and water sports and
activities poses a risk of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, a potentially catastrophic
eye infection of the cornea. Acanthamoeba Keratitis is caused by an organism
present in all forms of impure water such as swimming pools, tap water, saunas,
wells and even showers.
“Contact
Lenses are really quite safe to wear if your follow proper care guidelines and
instructions. However, if water restrictions such as swimming, bath tubs and
showering are part of your daily routine, you do need to keep your lenses out.
Many more patients-even very successful contact lens wearers-finds this to be a
hassle and are now interested in discussing LASIK as an option,” said Dr.
Michelson.
If
you or someone you know has questions about swimming with contact lenses
or participating in water sports with contact lenses or would like to learn
more about LASIK or even schedule a Free LASIK Consultation
please feel free to call Michelson Laser Vision at 205-930-0930,
visit Michelson Laser Vision or
facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Michelson Laser Vision and
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham
staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship
trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board
certified Ophthalmologists & Corneal Specialists-as well as Optometrists,
Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for
adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser
eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment
of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina
including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment
of glaucoma and fitting of eyeglasses and eyewear.
