Alternatives to laser surgery

Glasses

Glasses are safe, easy to maintain and relatively low cost (costs vary depending on frames, lenses, and special coatings). But they may interfere with sporting or work-related activities.

There are a number of special lenses available:

• Bifocals devote a portion of their lower half to reading.
  
  
• Trifocals add an intermediate zone for mid-range viewing.
  
  
• Progressive lenses change power progressively as eyes move from top (distance) to centre (intermediate) to bottom (near). Peripheral vision is diminished, which can make objects at the sides seem to "swim" - most wearers adjust to this over time.
  
  
• Aspheric lenses are flatter than the usual convex lenses, which can make eyes look more natural.
  
  
• Photochromic lenses darken quickly in the sunshine but take longer to lighten indoors, which can be dangerous.
  
  

Contact lenses

Contact lenses give you more freedom, can increase peripheral vision, and improve cosmetic appearance.

• Continuous-wear 30-day contacts are the least hassle. You don't have to put them in every morning and take them out and clean them every night. There are concerns about these lenses because they have been linked to infections. Modern silicone hydrogel contact lenses have reduced this risk. A six-month supply will cost about $360.
  
  
• With daily disposables there's no cleaning hassles but they are an expensive option. A six-month supply is around $500.
  
  
• Daily wear two-weekly or monthly disposables must be taken out and cleaned daily. They're not as convenient as continuous-wear or daily disposables but are cheaper. You'll pay about $230 for a six-month supply and an extra $40 for solution.
  
  
• Conventional soft lenses are worn daily for a year or more. You take them out at night and clean them. Prices vary depending on your prescription but they can cause an infection if they're not cleaned properly.
  
  
• Rigid gas-permeable lenses present fewer infection risks. They're custom-made and cost around $400 a pair. They usually last between one and two years.
  
  

It's essential you care for your contact lenses properly to avoid contamination.

Buying a three-month supply of contact lenses online may save you more than $100. Before you order, make sure your prescription is current: the New Zealand Optometrists Association recommends an annual eye check.

Surgical options

Implantable contact lenses are an option if you have extreme vision problems and are unsuitable for laser eye surgery. Unlike regular contacts, they're placed permanently inside the eye behind the iris. Only one eye is operated on at a time and prices vary depending on your prescription.

The US Food and Drug Administration consider implantable contact lenses to be safe and effective. Researchers are tracking the long-term results.