Cost Comparison: LASIK Surgery vs. Contact Lenses
1. Upfront vs. Long-Term Costs
LASIK Surgery:
- Upfront Cost: LASIK typically costs $2,000 to $3,000 per eye, depending on the technology used and the surgeon’s experience.
- Total Initial Cost (Both Eyes): $4,000 to $6,000, usually not covered by insurance.
- Longevity: It’s a one-time procedure with long-term results. Most people don’t need enhancements or glasses for many years.
Contact Lenses:
- Initial Cost: Eye exam and fitting: $100–$250
- Ongoing Cost: Contact lenses can cost $200–$500 per year, depending on the type (daily disposables are more expensive).
- Supplies: Cleaning solution and accessories: $100–$200 annually
Estimated Long-Term Contact Lens Costs Over 10 Years: $3,000–$7,000 (possibly more if using premium lenses or specialty prescriptions)
Lasik therefore is roughly the same cost of 8 to 10 years of Contact Lenses.
2. Additional Factors Influencing Cost
LASIK:
- Some patients may require follow-up enhancements (about 5-10%), which can add extra cost.
- There’s a chance of needing reading glasses later due to presbyopia (age-related).
- Potential complication costs if issues arise (dry eyes, halos, etc.), though rare.
Contact Lenses:
- Costs vary by lens type (soft, rigid gas permeable, toric, multifocal, etc.)
- Eye health risks from improper use can lead to medical expenses (infections, corneal issues).
- Lenses can get lost or damaged, adding to cost.
Conclusion:
- LASIK is more cost-effective in the long run for many people, especially if vision remains stable post-surgery.
- Contacts spread the cost out, making them more manageable short-term but potentially more expensive over time.
- Anxiety is normal with Lasik surgery and is anticipated with most facilities offering medications to help with anxiety and the procedure. Most patients feel the Lasik procedure was easier than anticipated.
- Other factors affecting the decision include risks and convenience. Many feel that the risk of long term contact lens use is similar to the risks of surgery. Contact lenses can cause serious eye infections. The inconvenience of LASIK surgery typically involves stopping contact lens use for 1-2 weeks, an eye exam, and the 15 minute procedure and the use of eye drops for 1-2 weeks. After this initial inconvenience, LASIK patients can then avoid the daily hassles of placing, removing, and cleaning of contacts, and the issues of traveling with contacts as well as dealing with contacts in emergency situations.
