LASIK surgery is a safe and effective way to achieve clearer, sharper vision without glasses or contacts. LASIK is a one-time procedure that doesn’t require “touch-ups” to maintain the results.
Instead, it is an investment in 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 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.
With the cornea exposed, they will use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. They will then close the flap, which will heal without stitches or bandaging.
Your eye doctor will repeat the process on your other eye. The whole procedure takes less than an hour.
LASIK recovery is usually quick and uncomplicated. You can return to non-strenuous activities, such as computer work and light household chores, 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.
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.
Boosting Confidence
Knowing that your vision will be sharp in any situation can add confidence to every part of your life. You won’t have to worry about glare off your glasses while participating in video conferences.
You can enjoy a day at the beach without worrying about your contacts if you go into the water. Every photo you share on social media or dating sites can show your whole face without shadows from glasses hiding your eyes.
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, a company that specializes in healthcare financing.
Ask your eye doctor at Willamson 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!
