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Updated on March 24th, 2022
It is no secret that undergoing laser vision correction in Orlando can have a profound effect on your quality of life. Not only can LASIK correct common eye conditions like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, allowing you to see without the need for prescription eyeglasses, but it can also reduce the long-term risks associated with wearing contact lenses. While LASIK is typically considered a luxurious and expensive option as it has a larger upfront cost than say contact lenses or eyeglasses, it can be a cost-effective solution for those who want to reduce their expenses related to vision correction. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what makes LASIK cost-effective, and how you can save money throughout your lifetime with it.
A Non-Recurring Expense Unlike Glasses & Contact Lenses
One of the primary reasons that LASIK is cost-effective is because it’s a one-time cost that does not reoccur for the majority of patients. In patients with stabilized eye conditions and low-risk profiles for the development of eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts, laser vision correction has the potential to last anywhere from 10-20 years without the need for additional treatments.
You may need additional treatments if:
- Your initial eye condition (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism), continues to progress.
- You experience presbyopia – gradual, natural, age-related vision loss.
- You develop additional eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or keratitis.
The percentage of those who require re-treatment for a 10-15 year period ranges between 10-35% depending on what age-related vision changes are being experienced, and how severe the changes are [1, 2].
The Elimination of Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses
So, with LASIK being a one-time cost for many, this means that you are no longer going to pay any ongoing costs that are associated with eyeglasses and contact lenses. This makes LASIK a more affordable option in the long run, as you no longer have to pay for the following:
- Yearly eye examinations for new prescriptions.
- Lens fillings on contacts or eyeglasses.
- Budget for daily, bi-weekly, or monthly contacts.
- Specialized options to combat severe instances of myopia or astigmatism.
- Replacements when/if they get broken or lost.
- Add-ons like UV, anti-scratch, and anti-glare coatings.
- Two pairs of glasses, so you have a backup.
- Disinfectant solutions, microfiber cloths, or glasses cases.
- Same-day service if your glasses break.
These expenses can add up to hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars per year depending on what type of prescription you need, and whether you need any additional add-ons or specialized options like extra thin frames, transitional lenses, or a particular type of disinfectant solution.
To give a brief rundown, 1 pair of $200.00 glasses/year over 20 years is the same as a $4,000 LASIK surgery, and that’s not accounting for the fact that they can break, be misplaced, or require replacement every 1-3 years. In terms of contact lenses, if you spend $500 a year on them, that’s the cost of LASIK over 10 years. If you want to know the true cost of vision correction versus glasses and contact lenses, check our customizable calculator here to compare the costs.
Insurance & Financing: Minimize Out-of-Pocket Expense
While LASIK is usually not covered under insurance since it is elective surgery, there are options available to you that can help you minimize the out-of-pocket expense. You may be eligible for your surgery through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), through a Health Savings Account, or through a credit card that has specials, benefits, and discounts for medical procedures like Alphaeon Credit. Depending on your filing status, the procedure may be tax-deductible as well.
Schedule a Consultation To Find Out More!
By investing in laser vision correction, you can make your life more convenient, and get away from the expense treadmill. While the upfront cost of LASIK may be a bit intimidating, it is a cost-effective option that can save you money in the long run. We’re also happy to offer special financing options at Financing For Vision Correction Solutions. If you’d like to find out if you are a good candidate, want to know more about LASIK, or need more information on the insurance we accept, please give us a call at 407-843-5665, contact our team online, or book a one-on-one consultation. It’s time that we correct your eyes, and change your life.