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If you’ve worn contact lenses for years, you’ve probably heard the familiar warnings: Wash your hands, replace your case, don’t overwear your lenses, avoid sleeping in them and never swim or shower while wearing contacts. Yet even the most diligent contact lens users face ongoing risks — because contacts sit directly on the eye every single day.
Modern LASIK, by contrast, has become one of the safest (and most studied) elective procedures in medicine. Risk of infection following LASIK is a mere .05% of cases, and multiple studies show that long-term contact lens wearers are 5 – 12 times more likely to develop a serious infection than LASIK patients. That’s a staggering difference, and one that surprises many people who assume contacts are the “safer” choice simply because they’re familiar.
Why Contacts Carry Higher Long-Term Risk
Contact lenses reduce oxygen flow to the cornea and create a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive. Even perfect hygiene can’t eliminate the risk entirely. Over time, this daily exposure increases the likelihood of:
- Corneal ulcers
- Microbial keratitis
- Chronic irritation and dryness
- Contact lens intolerance (CLI)
- Painful inflammation or scarring
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 500 contact lens wearers will experience a serious infection at some point. In addition, reviews of contact lens discomfort report that it affects about 35% of contact lens wearers, making intolerance and dryness common reasons people eventually stop wearing lenses. And the longer you wear contacts — especially into your 40s, 50s and 60s — the higher the risks of inflammatory eye diseases become.
LASIK: A One-Time Procedure With a Strong Safety Profile
Today’s LASIK and SMILE Pro technologies use advanced eye tracking, bladeless lasers and precise corneal mapping to deliver predictable, safe outcomes. Most patients see clearly within 24 hours, and the risk of complications is extremely low — far lower than the cumulative risk of decades of contact lens wear.
For many patients, LASIK isn’t just safer; it’s also more comfortable. No more dryness from lenses, no more irritation from solutions and no more worrying about overwear or contamination.
Summer Freedom: No More Contacts at the Pool or Beach
Water and contact lenses do not mix. Pools, lakes, oceans and even showers contain microorganisms that can cling to lenses and cause severe infections. That’s why eye doctors strongly advise against swimming or even splashing around while wearing contacts.
LASIK or SMILE Pro can give you the freedom to enjoy summer without juggling lenses, cases or backup glasses. Whether you’re boating on Lake St. Clair, relaxing at Belle Isle Beach or enjoying views of the Detroit River, you can see clearly without risking your eye health.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been relying on contacts for years, LASIK may actually be the safer long-term choice. And with the latest technology available at Lake Lazer Eye Center, Detroit LASIK patients can enjoy clearer vision, fewer risks and a lifestyle free from daily lens maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does LASIK compare to contacts in terms of long‑term safety?
LASIK has a very low complication rate, while contacts carry ongoing risks from daily wear, reduced oxygen flow and exposure to bacteria. Over many years, the cumulative risk of infection from contacts becomes significantly higher than the low, one‑time risk of LASIK.
Why are contact lens infections so common?
Contacts trap moisture and bacteria against the eye, creating an ideal environment for infection. Even small lapses — like touching lenses with damp hands or wearing them too long — can increase the risk of irritation or microbial keratitis.
Is LASIK safe for people over 40?
Yes. Many patients in their 40s and 50s choose LASIK or SMILE Pro to reduce dependence on contacts. A comprehensive exam determines candidacy based on corneal health, prescription stability and lifestyle needs.
Can I swim or shower with contacts safely?
No. Water exposes lenses to harmful microorganisms that can cause serious infections. Even brief exposure increases risk, which is why eye doctors recommend removing lenses before swimming or even showering.
Does LASIK hurt or require a long recovery?
Most patients feel only mild pressure during the procedure and experience clear vision within a day. LASIK recovery is typically quick, with minimal discomfort and simple aftercare instructions. Most people begin resuming activities the next day.
What’s the difference between LASIK and SMILE Pro?
LASIK creates a flap on the cornea, while SMILE Pro uses a smaller opening and removes a thin lens‑shaped layer of tissue. Both are highly precise, fast‑healing procedures. Your Lake Lazer Eye Center surgeon will recommend the best option for your eyes.
With locations in Clinton Township, Southfield and Milford, Lake Lazer Eye Center offers Metro Detroit-area patients advanced technology, convenient scheduling options and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK, SMILE Pro, Advanced Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma Care and more. Father-daughter team of Drs. Shabbir and Alisha Khambati have helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts through vision correction procedures. Detroit patients who are not candidates for vision correction can get our assistance with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
