LASIK surgery is a safe and effective way to achieve clearer, sharper vision without glasses or contacts. LASIK is a permanent vision correction procedure that doesn’t “wear off”.
Many patients tell us it’s the best investment they’ve ever made to achieve long-term vision correction. Keep reading to learn more about whether LASIK surgery is worth the cost.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It’s the best-known type of laser vision correction and is one of the most popular and safest elective procedures in the United States.
It involves reshaping the cornea, which is the outermost layer of the eye. Adjusting the shape of the cornea improves how light is focused as it passes through the eye, resulting in sharper vision.
The LASIK procedure can improve visual acuity enough that you can dramatically reduce or completely eliminate your reliance on glasses or contacts.
What to Expect During LASIK
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll get to go home the same day. You will be awake during the procedure, though you can have mild sedation to help you relax and reduce any anxiety.
Your eye doctor will also apply numbing drops to your eyes so you won’t feel any discomfort. Once your eyes are prepared for the procedure, your LASIK surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to make a flap in the tissue on the surface of your cornea.
They will then use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The flap is then closed, which will heal without stitches or bandaging.
Your eye doctor will repeat the process on your other eye. The whole procedure takes only minutes to complete – pretty amazing!
LASIK recovery is usually quick and uncomplicated. Most patients are able to drive and return to work the next day. You can return to non-strenuous activities within a few days of LASIK once your eye doctor clears you to do so.
Many people immediately notice vision improvements, with final results stabilizing about six weeks after the procedure.
Who Can Get LASIK?
LASIK is effective for correcting refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Your eye doctor will have you attend a consultation to review your medical and vision history and perform an eye exam before scheduling LASIK.
If you have certain conditions, such as thin corneal tissue, a history of eye conditions, or underlying health issues like autoimmune disorders, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK. Your eye doctor can suggest other vision correction procedures that may suit your needs, such as the EVO ICL or custom lens replacement. Coming in for a free consultation is the best way to find out which vision correction procedure is right for you.
Why LASIK Surgery is Worth the Cost
LASIK is a one-time procedure that offers permanent results. The cost of LASIK is an investment in your lifestyle with long-lasting benefits:
Clearer Vision
With crystal-clear vision after LASIK, you can enjoy every moment in high definition. Whether you’re watching the sunset, playing your favorite sport, or catching up with friends over dinner, you can make vivid memories to last a lifetime.
No More Hassling with Visual Aids
LASIK means not having to worry about fitting glasses or contacts into your lifestyle. You’ll be able to enjoy exercise or travel without worrying about glasses slipping down your nose or packing enough contacts and cleaning solutions for a trip. We’ve even heard stories from patients where they’ve lost their contacts in the ocean on vacation and had no backup options, pretty scary.
Boosting Confidence
Knowing that your vision will be sharp in any situation can add confidence to every part of your life.
You can enjoy a day at the beach, have more options for fashion without working around the style of your glasses and even see better to put your makeup on in the mirror!
Saving Money
Glasses and contacts aren’t free, even with vision insurance. Anyone who wears glasses or contacts is familiar with how costs can add up year after year.
Contact lenses might cost $120 to $1200 per year, depending on what type of contacts you choose and your prescription. Glasses usually cost $200, with added costs if you need progressive lenses or bifocals.
With permanent vision correction from LASIK, you could save thousands on the costs of visual aids, with the procedure eventually paying for itself.
Reducing Waste
Both glasses and contacts are made of plastic, as is the packaging for daily wear contacts. The materials they use cannot always be recycled.
As a result, millions of disposable contact lenses, their packaging, and discarded glasses wind up in landfills every year.
Choosing LASIK can reduce the amount of waste you add to landfills. If you are concerned about the cost of LASIK, financing options are available.
You can use HSA or FSA funds to pay the costs associated with LASIK. In addition, you can explore getting a credit card with CareCredit or financing with Alpheaon, two companies that specializes in healthcare financing.
Ask your eye doctor at Williamson Eye Center for more information about costs and payment options available to you.
Are you ready to learn more about how LASIK could benefit you? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Williamson Eye Center in Baton Rouge, LA, today!
