When discussing LASIK as an option for your patients, don't be afraid to discuss the benefits of contact lenses. Contact lenses have a long record of safe, clear correction for myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, and for keratoconus and post-refractive surgery conditions, says Ronald K. Watanabe, O.D. They're also effective for presbyopia.

Patients with both modalities -- LASIK and contact lenses -- are generally happy. So which is best? Statistically, Dr. Watanabe says, contact lenses win, with a greater percentage of patients achieving 20/20 acuity. Their quality of vision is usually better, too. LASIK, however, is more convenient.

But the safety issue isn't as clear cut. Corneal ulcers induced by contact lenses can permanently reduce visual acuity, but LASIK complications may be irreversible and cause permanent loss of visual acuity.

The answer to which is best lies within each patient, Dr. Watanabe says. Discuss the options, ask questions and make an informed recommendation. If you inform patients of all their options, they'll make the right decisions for themselves.