LASIK vs. glasses—If you need vision correction, odds are you’ve had to weigh these options and discern their pros and cons. Which option is cheaper in the long run? Overall, which option is best for you? In order to find the best vision correction solution for you, we highly recommend visiting your local ophthalmologist, but we’d like to identify a few important factors that may sway your decision.
LASIK
LASIK eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a simple, safe, and painless procedure that corrects your vision using advanced laser technology. This innovative procedure has been an industry standard for over 20 years and is a long-term alternative to prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.
For those dealing with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, LASIK could be the perfect treatment option. In addition, this state-of-the-art procedure is highly affordable and allows many patients to achieve 20/20 vision.
Laser eye surgery is a relatively simple procedure. First, a thin flap of corneal tissue is created either by a highly specialized instrument known as a microkeratome or by a laser light source. This thin flap is then lifted like a contact lens and a laser light is used to reshape the outer areas of the cornea. Depending on the patient’s condition, the surgeon will adjust the shape of the cornea accordingly. For nearsighted individuals, the cornea is flattened. For farsighted individuals, the cornea is steepened. For individuals dealing with astigmatism, the irregular shape of the cornea is corrected. These adjustments ensure that light is properly focused on the retina. After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is then laid back to its original position and its newly formed curvature properly refocuses light without the use of eyeglasses or contacts.
The LASIK procedure only takes 10-15 minutes. For many people, they’re able to achieve a full recovery within days and side effects are minimal. In fact, many patients are able to drive the very next day!
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are devices with corrective lenses that mount on your face. For countless years, people have relied on eyeglasses to correct issues for either myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Unfortunately, eyeglasses can become cumbersome and uncomfortable. In addition, they break easily and can lead to a plethora of product and optometrist fees since eyeglasses require replacing or adjusting at least every 1 to 2 years.
The Cost
On average, LASIK eye surgery can cost up to $2,000 for each eye based on the ophthalmologist’s experience, technology, and location. This number may seem staggering at first, but most LASIK clinics are able to provide a payment plan and it’s not bad considering how much the average American spends on name brand coffee a year. If the average cup of joe costs $4.43, you’ll most likely spend $1,644 annually. At Mattioli Vision Professionals, LASIK can cost between $70-$140 per month with our convenient payment plans.
Compared to glasses and contacts, most people require a new pair every two years due to changed prescriptions or wear and tear. For each new pair, they fork over $150 – $500, which can snowball to an upwards of $2,500 over 10 years. And that’s not even counting the fees for each visit to the optometrist. For contacts, people can spend up to $250 – $300 during a single year before exam fees, which comes out to $2,500 – $3,000 over 10 years! It’s no surprise that Americans spend over $30 billion a year on eye products. Glasses and contacts can also become a burden to keep up with. After all, it’s just one more thing you’ll need to worry about. Nothing compares to the flawless freedom that laser eye surgery provides.
Which Option is Best for You?
The LASIK vs. Glasses debate continues to this day, but when it comes to determining the best option for you, we recommend scheduling a free consultation with your Houston ophthalmologist. Together you’ll discuss whether you’re a candidate for LASIK and which vision correction option is best for you.
