If you need vision correction, you’ve probably wondered about the best long-term solution. Should you stick with reliable glasses? Try out the more convenient contact lenses? Or take the plunge and get LASIK surgery? With so many options, it can be hard to decide which one makes the most sense for you, especially from a financial perspective.
LASIK has a hefty upfront price tag, but it promises long-term freedom from glasses and contacts. On the other hand, these options are more affordable at first, but their costs can add up over the years. But money isn’t the only factor here. Convenience, lifestyle, and health risks all play a role in this decision. Some people love the simplicity of LASIK, while others worry about the risks of surgery. Contacts provide flexibility, but they require daily upkeep. Glasses are easy and low-maintenance but can be inconvenient for sports or travel. Whatever you choose, make sure that you have carefully considered all your options!
Understanding Your Options
Visual impairment is an extremely common issue worldwide which leads millions of people to evaluate their vision correction options. The majority of vision impairments are due to refractive errors in the eye. This is when the cornea – the surface of the eye – is misshapen, meaning that when light enters the eye, it is focused at the wrong point. This can cause myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. These impairments can all be corrected through the use of contact lenses, glasses or LASIK surgery.
LASIK: What Exactly is It?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve vision. It is used to treat common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism by correcting the way that light focuses in the eye. The procedure itself is quick and straightforward, usually only taking around 15 minutes per eye. During the procedure, a tiny flap is made on the cornea, this allows the surgeon to use a highly precise laser to remove microscopic parts of corneal tissue. This reshapes the curvature of the cornea, correcting the way that light enters your eye. Due to the minimal invasiveness of the procedure, it has a very high success rate and a relatively short recovery time.
Most people who undergo LASIK achieve 20/20 vision or better. This eliminates their dependence on glasses or contacts. However, not everyone is a candidate. Factors such as corneal thickness, eye health and prescription stability all play a role in determining how well LASIK will work for you.
Contact Lenses: An Overview
Contact lenses are a popular choice for vision correction. They are thin lenses that rest on the surface of your eyes to correct the refractive errors that may be making your vision blurry. Unlike glasses, they offer a way to improve your sight without changing your appearance. They come in various types, including daily disposables, bi-weekly lenses, and extended-wear options.
While contacts provide flexibility and convenience, they require careful handling and hygiene to avoid damage to the eye or infections. Some people find them uncomfortable, difficult to put in or struggle with dry eyes after prolonged use.
Glasses: A Timeless Solution
Glasses have been used to correct vision for centuries, and for good reason – they’re effective, easy to use and generally low maintenance. They are lenses mounted in a wearable frame which correct the refraction of light into the eyes. Being worn externally, they also offer an extra layer of protection for your eyes and come in many styles to suit your taste.
There are many different varieties of glasses, including single-vision lenses, multifocal or progressive lenses. Single-vision lens glasses have only one prescription, whereas multifocal (including bifocal or trifocal) lenses have multiple prescriptions combined into a single lens to adjust your sight in multiple ways. Progressive lenses are similar to multifocal lenses, but the prescription gradually changes from top to bottom, rather than there being a seam in between.
However, glasses can be inconvenient. They can fog up in humid conditions, are easily lost or broken, and may cause discomfort after long periods of wear. Despite these drawbacks, they remain the go to solution for millions of people.
Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Investment
One of the biggest factors when deciding between LASIK, contacts and glasses is cost. While LASIK has a significant upfront price tag, it could be more economical in the long run. On the other hand, contacts and glasses require ongoing expenses that add up over time.
To make an informed decision, it’s important to consider the costs in detail. Let’s look at upfront expenses, long-term financial implications and hidden costs that might not be immediately obvious.
Upfront and Maintenance Costs
The first thing most people consider is the initial price. Let’s compare the three options based on what you’ll need to pay right away and what recurring costs you should expect.
LASIK Surgery
The costs of LASIK varies based on location, the experience of your surgeon, the specific type of procedure used and the level of correction you require. In the US, it typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye. This price includes pre-surgery evaluations, the procedure itself, initial follow up visits, and any aftercare medication. Some people may need enhancement procedures in the future which can add to the cost.
Some clinics offer financing plans allowing patients to pay in installments rather than a single upfront cost.
Contact Lenses
Although significantly cheaper in the short term at least, the cost of contact lenses depends on the type that you choose. Daily disposable lenses cost more than monthly ones, but all contacts require contact solution and regular replacements. This means that over time their ongoing costs will add up.
There are many other variables that can affect the cost of contact lenses, including brand, prescription level and visual needs. So in this way, daily disposable contacts can vary from $500 to $1,000 per year, whereas monthly lenses come in at around $200 to $400 per year. Over ten years, contacts can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $9,000, making them pricier than LASIK in the long run.
Glasses
Glasses have a wide price range, from basic frames with standard lenses to high-end designer frames with advanced lens coatings. A basic pair of prescription glasses costs around $100 to $300, while premium frames with high quality lenses can range from $400 to $1,000 +.
Many people own multiple pairs, including sunglasses, spares, the glasses you keep in the car just in case, etc. You might also find that you need new glasses every couple of years due to wear and tear or prescription changes.
Lifetime Cost Analysis
Let’s assume you need vision correction for 30 years.
- LASIK (Average one-time cost of $4,000 for both eyes)
- If no enhancements are needed, this is a fixed cost.
- Contacts (Average of $500 per year)
- Over 30 years, that’s $15,000.
- Glasses (New pair every 2 years at $300 each)
- That adds up to $4,500 over 30 years.
Although the above numbers are just examples, from a purely financial standpoint, LASIK can save thousands over a lifetime. However, the risk factor (what if the results don’t last?) is something to consider.
Hidden and Unexpected Costs
The numbers above provide a general comparison, but they don’t include additional, sometimes unexpected costs. There are some hidden expenses to consider.
LASIK: Potential Additional Costs
- Enhancement procedures: Some people require a second LASIK surgery 10+ years later due to vision changes.
- Dry eye treatments: If LASIK causes long-term dry eyes, lubricating drops or prescription treatments may be needed.
- Reading glasses: Even after LASIK, many people will need reading glasses as they age.
Contacts: Hidden Costs
- Eye infections or irritation: If lenses aren’t handled properly, medical treatments may be required.
- Lost or torn lenses: Replacing contacts unexpectedly adds up.
- Travel expenses: Packing extra lenses, solutions, and cases while traveling can be a hassle.
Glasses: Additional Costs
- Accidental damage: Scratches, broken frames, or lost glasses require replacements.
- Fashion or personal preference: Some people buy multiple pairs to match different styles.
- Backup glasses: Having an extra pair is a good idea, especially for those who rely on glasses daily.
Cost vs. Value: Is LASIK Worth It?
From a purely financial standpoint, LASIK often makes the most sense in the long run. If your vision is stable and you’re a good candidate, the savings over decades can be significant. However, there’s always the possibility of complications, which could result in additional costs.
Contacts, while seemingly affordable at first, add up to the highest lifetime expense. If you don’t mind the maintenance and ongoing cost, they’re a flexible option. Over decades however, they can be three to five times more expensive than LASIK.
Glasses offer a middle ground. They require fewer ongoing costs than contacts, but some people find them inconvenient or expensive, especially if they prefer high-end frames or prescription sunglasses.
Ultimately the “best investment” depends on many factors over and above financial considerations.
Lifestyle and Convenience Factors
Daily Comfort and Ease of Use
LASIK provides the ultimate convenience that you wake up and see clearly. No need to fumble for glasses or deal with inserting contacts.
Contacts, while more discreet than glasses, require daily maintenance. You have to clean them, replace them, and be mindful of hygiene to avoid infections. Some people also find them irritating or uncomfortable after long hours.
Glasses are easy—just put them on and go. But they can get scratched, slip down your nose, or feel uncomfortable after prolonged wear. They are also easily lost, and finding a discreet pair of dainty glasses in the middle of the night – without your glasses – can be difficult!
Considerations for Travel and Your Active Lifestyle
If you travel frequently you know the struggle of forgetting to pack extra lenses, contact solution or your spare glasses. LASIK might be the ideal solution for you. Especially if you have an active lifestyle and enjoy swimming, playing sports or hiking, you can enjoy all of these activities without worrying about losing a lens, breaking your glasses or fogging up.
Aesthetic and Social Benefits
Some people prefer the way they look without glasses, making LASIK or contacts a more appealing option to them. Others love how glasses complement their look and can be styled with their outfit. Contacts provide vision correction without altering your appearance. However, if you have dry or irritated eyes, they may make you look tired.
The Downsides
Risks and Complications of LASIK
LASIK is generally a very safe procedure, but it’s not risk free.
Blurred Vision
Some blurriness or low clarity is a normal part of the LASIK process immediately after surgery. As your eyes heal and adjust, usually this goes away in around 24 hours. However, in some cases in can take a few weeks for your eyes to reach optimum clarity.
Dry Eyes
This is common in the first few weeks or months after surgery, and feels like scratchiness or something in the eye. This occurs because the surgery can temporarily reduce tear production. Luckily, this is usually temporary, and artificial tears or prescription eye drops can help to keep your eyes comfortable. In rare cases, dry eye symptoms can persist longer-term, but this is uncommon with modern LASIK technology.
Sensitivity, Halos or Glare, Especially at Night
Your eyes might feel sensitive to bright lights immediately after the surgery. Some people also experience halos or glare at night around bright lights like headlights. This is generally only temporary and improves with time. The likeliness of any long-term issues with bright lights has been greatly reduced with advances in LASIK surgery.
Under-Correction or Over-Correction, Which Can Sometimes Require Enhancements
If the amount of corneal tissue removed in the surgery is too much or too little, your vision may not be ideally corrected. As a result, you might still need glasses or contact lenses, although likely with a much lower prescription. In some cases, a follow-up procedure, called enhancement surgery, can further refine the results.
The overwhelming majority of people achieve great results, but a small percentage experience long term side effects.
Another consideration is whether you are a good candidate for LASIK. There are a few factors that determine this.
Age
Surgeons may not operate on people under 21 as their prescription has not yet stabilized.
Eye Health
For LASIK, it is required that you have generally healthy eyes with no unusual vision problems and an adequate corneal thickness. This is to ensure that you don’t have any conditions that might result in poorer outcomes or complications following the procedure.
General Health
Certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases can affect your ability to heal. Speak to your doctor about this if you are unsure.
Health Considerations of Contact Lenses
Contacts come with their own risks.
Increased Risk of Eye Infections
If you leave your contacts in for too long or don’t clean your hands or lenses well enough, tiny organisms can get into your eye and cause damage. Make sure you remember to take your contacts out at night (or as prescribed), and wash your hands thoroughly before putting contacts in or out.
Corneal Scratches
If you are not careful when handling your contacts, you can scratch your cornea. This will usually heal in a few days but in more serious cases it can lead to further complications.
Dryness and Irritation with Prolonged Wear
If you don’t replace your contacts as often as needed, or sleep in lenses when you shouldn’t your eyes may become irritated. This can be fixed easily however by some time without contacts or eye drops.
Glasses: Risk Free?
Glasses are the safest option with virtually no health risks. However, they can cause minor discomfort, such as pressure on your nose or headaches if you don’t have the right prescription.
Which Option is the Best Investment?
Financial Perspective
From a cost perspective, LASIK often wins in the long run (assuming that there are no complications requiring additional procedures). Contacts are the most expensive over time, while glasses fall somewhere in between.
Quality of Life Perspective
LASIK offers the most freedom and convenience but comes with a higher initial cost and some risk. Contacts are a flexible middle ground, while glasses are the most low-maintenance option.
But Which Should I Choose?
- LASIK: The best option for long-term savings and freedom from contacts or glasses.
- Contacts: Ideal for people who don’t mind the upkeep, but want flexibility and a natural look
- Glasses: Great for those who prefer a non-invasive, reliable option.
So, is LASIK the best investment? Financially, it often is! However, this may not be for you if you have certain health conditions, cannot afford the initial investment or are uncomfortable with undergoing minor surgery. Contacts and glasses remain viable options, especially for those who prefer a non-invasive approach.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Whether you opt for LASIK, contacts, or glasses, what matters most is finding the solution that fits your needs and makes your daily life easier. If you’re considering LASIK, schedule a consultation with an eye specialist to see if you qualify. If not, high-quality glasses or contacts can still serve you well. Either way, clear vision is a worthy investment!
