5 Ways LASIK Saves You Money Compared to Glasses and Contacts

Picture waking up with clearer, sharper vision every morning. LASIK laser eye surgery can significantly reduce your dependence on visual aids, potentially allowing you to enjoy improved eyesight for decades to come.

LASIK is a proven laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure will help reduce your reliance on glasses and contact lenses for many daily activities.

After LASIK, most patients find they need corrective lenses less frequently or only for specific tasks like reading fine print (if over the age of 45-50 and experiencing presbyopia). While some patients achieve excellent vision without any visual aids, individual results vary based on your unique prescription and eye characteristics. If you are not an ideal match for lasik other laser-based or lens-based procedures may be recommended by your surgeon.

Though LASIK requires a larger upfront investment compared to purchasing new glasses or contacts, it often proves more economical over time. Here are five ways LASIK can provide long-term financial benefits compared to traditional vision correction.

What Happens During LASIK?

At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, we perform blade-free, all-laser LASIK to deliver optimal, lasting results. Our streamlined procedure typically unfolds as follows:

Preparation: Your surgeon begins by applying numbing eye drops to ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure. A mild sedative helps you remain relaxed, while specialized devices gently hold your eyelids open.

Creating the Corneal Flap: Using our advanced WaveLight FS200 Laser, your surgeon creates a precise, thin flap in the cornea's outer layer (epithelium). This flap is then carefully folded back to expose the underlying corneal tissue called the stroma.

Vision Correction: The WaveLight EX500 Laser reshapes your cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue with exceptional precision. This correction allows light to properly focus on your retina, potentially reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts.

Completion: Your surgeon gently repositions the corneal flap, which naturally adheres without requiring stitches and continues healing over the following days.

The entire LASIK procedure takes 30 minutes or less. While you can go home shortly after treatment, you'll need someone to drive you. Most patients return to work within 1-2 days, though those with computerintensive jobs may benefit from waiting 72 hours before resuming normal activities.

How Can LASIK Save You Money Compared to Glasses and Contacts?

Here are five ways LASIK can provide significant long-term savings:

• Reduce Visual Aid Expenses While LASIK requires a substantial upfront investment, it's typically a onetime expense compared to the ongoing costs of

• LASIK can significantly reduce your need for prescription eyewear, potentially saving thousands of dollars over time. The cost of frames, prescription lenses, and upgrades like anti-reflective coating, scratchresistant treatment, and blue light filters can add up quickly. Even durable glasses are susceptible to damage, loss, or simply becoming outdated.

• Contact lenses create recurring expenses, whether you prefer daily, biweekly, or monthly options. The cost of regular replacements can become substantial over the years. LASIK may reduce or minimize these ongoing expenses, providing considerable savings over time.

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• Reduce Ongoing Eye Care Accessory Costs
  Contact lens wearers often need additional products, including lubricating drops for dry eyes, cleaning solutions, disinfecting agents, and storage cases. These seemingly small expenses accumulate significantly over time.
  
  LASIK can reduce your dependence on these accessories, resulting in ongoing savings.
  
  
• Minimize Prescription Update Costs
  
  Prescriptions typically change every 1-2 years, requiring new lenses and additional expenses each time. LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea to correct refractive errors, potentially providing stable vision that reduces the need for frequent prescription updates.
• Enhanced Productivity Potential
  
  Constantly dealing with dry, irritated eyes from contacts or smudged glasses can impact workplace focus and efficiency. LASIK may provide clearer, more comfortable vision that allows for better concentration and productivity. Improved performance could translate to career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
  
  Additionally, LASIK may open doors to careers requiring excellent vision, such as aviation, law enforcement, or military service. These professions often have strict vision requirements, and LASIK could help you qualify for competitive positions with higher earning potential.
  
• Long-Term Investment Value
  
  LASIK represents an investment in your vision, quality of life, and financial future. While the initial cost is significant, the procedure often pays for itself within several years through reduced eyewear expenses.
  
  LASIK results can last for decades, potentially providing a lifetime of savings on glasses, contacts, and related supplies. Many patients find the financial benefits continue to grow year after year.

How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate for LASIK?

The only way to determine if you're a good candidate for LASIK is through a comprehensive consultation with an experienced refractive surgeon. During this evaluation, your surgeon will assess several key factors that influence your eligibility for the procedure.

Generally, ideal candidates are at least 18 years old with a stable prescription that hasn't changed for at least one year. You should be in good overall health without autoimmune disorders or conditions that affect healing, and your eyes should be free from infections, diseases like glaucoma or cataracts, or severe dry eye syndrome. Your cornea must also have sufficient thickness to safely accommodate the laser reshaping process.

The consultation includes detailed measurements of your prescription and corneal thickness, comprehensive eye health evaluation, and advanced diagnostic testing like corneal topography mapping. Your surgeon will also discuss your vision goals and help set realistic expectations about potential outcomes.

If traditional LASIK isn't suitable, alternative vision correction procedures may be available.

Experience the LASIK Advantage

LASIK at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists can help you work toward your vision goals while potentially reducing long-term eyewear costs. We offer flexible financing options, including CareCredit, to make LASIK more accessible and affordable.

Are you interested in LASIK? Schedule your complimentary LASIK consultation at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists in Charlotte, NC, to take

the first step towards clear, unencumbered vision.