Have you ever thought about having LASIK to enjoy crisp, clear eyesight? It’s a popular procedure that has helped millions achieve better vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
One major concern for many people considering LASIK is the cost. Often perceived as an expensive luxury, LASIK might seem out of reach for the average person.
However, LASIK can actually be more affordable than you think. It might even save you money in the long run!
Keep reading to learn more about breaking down the true cost of LASIK and why getting LASIK is worth it for so many patients.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a laser eye procedure designed to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, the clear dome that surrounds your eye. Small imperfections in the shape of the eye cause vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, known as refractive errors.
During the procedure, specialized lasers remove small amounts of corneal tissue to correct these refractive errors. The treatment is minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home the same day.
Most patients experience remarkable results, with the majority achieving 20/20 vision or better. But how much does it cost to undergo this life-changing procedure?
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
The cost of LASIK varies based on factors such as the complexity of your refractive error. For instance, patients with mild nearsightedness typically pay less than those with higher degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
On average, LASIK costs between $1,500 and $3,500 per eye. If your eyes have different prescriptions, the cost for each eye may differ slightly, with the total average cost around $5,000.
Fortunately, LASIK has become more accessible over the years. There are also a few ways you can pay for the procedure without dipping into your savings.
If you have an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account), you can use those funds to cover part or all of the procedure. Even if these accounts don’t cover the full cost, they can significantly reduce the financial burden.
Financing options are available for the remaining balance. South Texas Eye Institute partners with Wells Fargo Health Advantage Credit Card and CareCredit to provide affordable payment plans.
With a decent credit score, most patients qualify for low monthly payments and zero interest if payments are made on time. These options make LASIK more affordable while offering life-changing benefits.
What are the Benefits of LASIK?
The primary reason most people choose LASIK is to achieve visual freedom. Glasses and contact lenses can be inconvenient and time-consuming, and LASIK significantly reduces and can often eliminate the need for these aids.
Though perfect vision isn’t guaranteed, the majority of patients achieve exceptional results. Recovery from LASIK is also quick and easy.
The procedure itself is painless, and most patients experience only minor discomfort for a day or two afterward. After the procedure, you can resume most activities within just a couple of days, only having to take some precautions to protect your eyes.
This makes the procedure ideal for busy patients who don’t have a lot of downtime. Beyond convenience, LASIK can even provide better vision than glasses or contacts.
By precisely correcting your refractive error, LASIK can enhance your sight beyond the limits of your previous prescriptions, allowing you to see more clearly than ever before. Additionally, LASIK results are long-lasting.
While vision changes from unrelated conditions like cataracts or glaucoma could still occur, LASIK permanently corrects your refractive errors.
Is LASIK Worth the Cost?
With all of its benefits, many patients find LASIK worth the investment. Consider how much you spend annually on glasses and contact lenses.
These visual aids can get quite expensive. Quality glasses with high-index lenses cost about $200 on average.
Disposable contact lenses add around $300 per year, while non-disposable contacts cost approximately $250 annually. If you purchase one pair of glasses per year, your total annual expense averages $450 to $500.
Over ten years, that’s $5,000, which is the same as the average cost of LASIK. Since LASIK eliminates or reduces the need for visual aids, it essentially pays for itself after a decade.
As LASIK doesn’t “wear off,” it often eliminates the ongoing costs for visual aids for many years. You can calculate how much LASIK might save you over time using tools like the cost calculator available on the South Texas Eye Institute website.
By reducing long-term expenses, LASIK is both a smart financial choice and a life-changing investment in your vision.
Am I a Good LASIK Candidate?
Key requirements for LASIK include being over 18, having stable vision, and being in good overall health. However, some individuals may not qualify due to specific health conditions or other factors.
To determine if LASIK is right for you, a consultation with your eye doctor at South Texas Eye Institute is essential. They will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, ask questions about your medical history, discuss your visual goals, and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
Are you ready to make a life-changing investment in long-term visual clarity with LASIK? Schedule a consultation at South Texas Eye Institute in San Antonio, TX, today!
