Quality of Life in Myopia: Laser‐Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis Versus Contact Lenses

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and contact lenses are commonly used to correct refractive errors, but their effects on quality of life, patient satisfaction, and dry eye disease remain variable. This study compares these outcomes between LASIK and contact lens users. Objective This study aims to bridge the knowledge gaps by evaluating the effects of LASIK versus contact lenses on vision‐related quality of life, patient satisfaction, and dry eye disease. Methods Our protocol was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42025636623). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library) to find eligible articles. The primary outcome assessed was quality of life, while the secondary outcomes included the prevalence of dry eyes and patient satisfaction. A meta‐analysis was conducted using R Statistical Software (version 2024.04.2 Build 764) and the “meta” package (version 7.0‐0). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Results Of 1806 initial records, four studies met the inclusion criteria, enrolling 2141 participants, and were included in our meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis revealed moderate improvement in quality of life for LASIK users (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.45; p < 0.0001), while patient satisfaction was notably higher in the LASIK group (88% vs. 54% for contact lenses). Complication rates were lower in LASIK patients (6.7% vs. 19.9% for contact lenses), although LASIK was associated with a higher incidence of acute dry eye disease. Conclusion This meta‐analysis demonstrated that LASIK significantly enhances quality of life compared to contact lens use and yields markedly higher patient satisfaction. Moreover, LASIK was associated with lower overall complication rates, though it carried a greater risk of acute dry eye disease.