What is Better for Myopia, Laser eye surgery or Glasses?

The choice between glasses and laser eye surgery for myopia depends on your lifestyle, budget and tolerance for surgical intervention. Glasses are non-invasive, adjustable and low-risk, but require ongoing maintenance and can be cumbersome for active lifestyles. Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, offers rapid, long-lasting correction and freedom from spectacles, yet involves higher upfront costs and eligibility criteria. 

In this blog, we’ll share general information about the pros and cons, recovery process and long-term outcomes of wearing glasses and undergoing laser eye surgery to help you make an informed decision. Always consult your doctor for personalised advice.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry because the eye’s optical power focuses images in front of the retina rather than on it. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. Options to address the blurry vision includes eyeglasses, contact lens, and refractive surgery. 

Glasses for Myopia

Pros

• Safety: Spectacles are the simplest, safest way to correct myopia, with virtually no risk of eye injury or infection.
• Cost-effectiveness: Initial costs are low, but may need replacement every few years.
• Flexibility: Different lens types, such as single vision, bifocal, or multifocal, and coatings can be tailored over time.
  
  

Cons

• Ongoing maintenance: Glasses can be lost, damaged or require frequent prescription changes, leading to recurring expenses 
• Physical limitations: Frames can slip during sports, limit peripheral vision, fog up in changing temperatures and interfere with protective eyewear 
• Aesthetic/social factors: Some wearers dislike the way glasses look or feel, which can affect confidence or comfort.

Laser Eye Surgery

Most laser procedures reshape the cornea to correct refractive error; LASIK is the most common, but PRK, and SMILE are alternatives.

Pros

• Permanent correction: Laser eye surgery usually helps 62–97% of people see clearly without glasses, often achieving 20/20 vision, with 98% patient satisfaction.
  
  
• Rapid visual recovery: LASIK patients often see significant improvement within hours and can resume most activities within 48 hours.
  
  
• Freedom from glasses/contacts: Eliminates daily reliance on corrective lenses, benefiting active lifestyles and reducing long-term eyewear costs.
  
  

Cons

• Upfront cost: Laser eye surgery in Perth, averages from $3500 to $3950 per eye, considerably higher than glasses but often cost-effective over 10 years.
  
  
• Eligibility criteria: Not everyone is a candidate. Those with thin corneas, unstable prescriptions, dry eyes or certain health conditions may preclude surgery.
  
  
• Potential risks: Like any other surgical procedure, it involves potential risks such as dry-eye symptoms, night-vision disturbances and flap-related complications, though rates are much lower with modern lasers.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Choosing between glasses and laser eye surgery ultimately depends on your personal priorities, including safety, cost, convenience and long-term vision goals. If you value non-invasive, adjustable correction, glasses might be right for you. If you seek lasting freedom from spectacles and are medically eligible, laser eye surgery can be life-changing.

For expert assessment and the latest laser technologies, consider booking a consultation at Crystal Eye & Laser Centre, where personalised care and transparent advice help you make an informed decision. Book an appointment today.