Thursday, April 25, 2013

LASIK & Contact Lens Risk for Swimming


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.