LASIK laser vision correction is one of the most popular elective surgeries in the world, with countless people choosing this refractive eye surgery every single year. LASIK involves reshaping the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, so that the light passes through the eyes and is refracted properly, allowing the patient to see clearly without the need for corrective lenses.

LASIK is considered to be extremely safe and effective when it is carried out by a trained and experienced professional. It is also a good option for a large percentage of patients, although it’s not right for everyone. It’s also quite costly. Depending on the type of LASIK that you have and the surgeon you choose, LASIK can cost anywhere from $1000 to $4000 per eye. This can be a lot of money to afford, and unsurprisingly, many patients are concerned about the cost of LASIK. But, what’s the cost of NOT getting LASIK?

The Cost of Not Improving Your Vision

If you choose not to get LASIK laser vision correction, your eyesight will remain unchanged and is likely to get worse as the years go by. That’s because most refractive eye conditions are progressive. If you are going to be able to see clearly, you are going to need to use either glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.

The Cost of Wearing Glasses or Contact Lenses

Exactly how much your glasses or contact lenses will cost can vary hugely. With so many different brands and styles available, you have the option to choose anything from $25 budget frames to spending thousands on designer glasses. Obviously, bear in mind that generally speaking, the higher the quality of glasses you choose, the longer they are likely to last without breaking.

Glasses need lenses, and these too can vary in price depending on the materials used, and whether you have decided to have any special coatings or tints, such as scratch-resistant coating or anti-glare. And if your prescription changes, such as if your vision gets worse, you’ll need new lenses to reflect these changes. Neither frames nor lenses will last forever, with most people needing to change lenses every few years, and frames when they become broken or out of style.

Contact lenses vary in price too, but it’s not unusual to spend anywhere from $200 to $600 per year for standard contacts. If you require specialist contact lenses, such as those recommended for corneal conditions like keratoconus or dry eye, these are typically more expensive too.

Although LASIK can seem like a large investment in your vision, when you compare it to the cost of paying out for glasses or contact lenses over the course of your lifetime, LASIK can actually be found to be a good value for money, especially when you consider the added convenience of being able to see clearly without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

If you would like to find out more about LASIK, visit Coastal Vision Medical Group in Orange. Call (888) 501-4496 to schedule an appointment today.