First, let’s acknowledge the most obvious fact: Laser vision correction options such as LASIK and SMILE are not inexpensive, especially if you’re investing in quality technology, experienced surgeons and a proven laser program (As you should!). Your eyes are precious, and laser vision correction is not the best place for bargain-hunting! So what should you consider when weighing LASIK cost?
Consider the annual and continuing costs of your glasses and contacts as you weigh the pros and cons of investing in laser vision correction. Continue reading for a discussion on cost, value, and investment as it relates to your vision correction and care options. Regardless of your decision, this is a very important topic as you consider your options and plan for caring for your vision in the future.
So, how does the cost of laser vision correction compare to the cost of wearing glasses and contacts?
Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses
Let’s start with the hard part! The cost of eyeglasses is tricky to average due to the wide variety of frames, lenses, and brands available to you. According to Vision Service Plan, the average cost for a pair of prescription glasses is $196, with costs ranging from $20 to well over $800 for designer frames and premium lens technologies. Which end of the spectrum do you tend to fall on?
Contact Lenses
If you wear disposable contacts and replace them every two weeks (the most common replacement schedule recommended by eye doctors), you’ll pay about $250 a year for lenses and another $150 a year on contact lens solution and cases (Which you should be replaced often!). This adds up to about $400 a year to wear contact lenses.
The Cost
Now consider the costs over a more than 10-year period. For regular contact lens wearers, this equates to more than $4000 in lens and solution purchases. For glasses wearers, depending on the number of glasses and sunglasses pairs you purchase, it also equates to thousands of dollars. If you, like many patients, wear both glasses and contacts regularly, the costs could be even higher.
SMILE and LASIK Cost
Be sure you understand the pricing options available at your preferred LASIK or SMILE practice. Across the United States, the average cost of laser vision correction ranges from $1,750 to $2200 per eye. Some practices advertise a very low price for laser vision correction, only to give you a much higher price because of your prescription after you come in for a screening. Other practices offer a flat fee for your laser vision correction, which will include any and all technologies that will be needed to give you better vision. Be sure you discuss costs in detail with your eye practice and know your exact costs. We offer a range of laser vision correction packages and costs.
No matter what you choose for your vision correction – LASIK, SMILE, glasses or contacts – caring for your vision can be expensive! All these treatments are an investment in your vision and your quality of life over many years. Instead of considering only the immediate cost of each option, be sure to invest in a long-term plan that matches your lifestyle.
What do you think? Does considering the cost of glasses, contacts, and laser vision correction over 10 or more years change the way you think about LASIK cost? If you have questions about the cost or value of SMILE and LASIK, please call us and we’ll be happy to discuss your options! 817-803-6106
