Laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK, is a life-changing procedure. Former eyeglasses and contact lens wearers report being able to see perfectly once again, enjoying the freedom of clear vision.
And just recently, one of the best things about LASIK is skilled doctors offering their services for much cheaper than before. Why? It’s a combination of new surgeons entering profitable markets and advances in technology. Chances are, if you look in the right places, you will find deals that are easily 50% less than what you would have found 15 years ago.
While having an eye operation of any kind sounds scary, laser eye surgery is one of the safest and fastest procedures you could undergo. Doctors speak with confidence about LASIK surgery because complications resulting from the procedure occur in only 0.1% of patients. The rave reviews of those who’ve had this surgery report success in many different vision types, many different eyes.
If you’re wondering whether LASIK is the right choice for you and your eyes, it’s worth looking into. Before you make the decision, though, here’s what you need to know.
LASIK Technology is More Precise
According to LASIK.com, the very first laser-eye surgery took place in 1987 at the Watson Research Center in New York, but it wasn’t until 1995 that the FDA approved laser eye surgeries for the public.
LASIK surgery is less damaging than other eye procedures, providing improved results and a shorter recovery time. In LASIK procedures, a small incision is made on the surface of the eye, lifting the corneal flap, and then reshaping the cornea with a laser. Afterwards, the doctor replaces the flap in its original location, allowing the site to heal quickly. Patients can expect to see clearly within 24 hours and have fully healed eyes within one month.
The reason for LASIK’s speedy healing? LASIK uses state-of-the-art equipment to correct and restore an individual’s vision. The medical tools are so advanced that they implement a digital eye-tracking system that moves faster than the human eye can move, ensuring reliable results.
The Procedure And Recovery Are Faster Than Ever
Thanks to the latest advances in LASIK technology, only a minority of patients experience any side effects or difficulty seeing post-procedure. Additionally, the resulting vision improvement is much better. Up to 92% of LASIK patients, according to All About Vision, have perfect vision or even better than 20/20 vision after the procedure.
LASIK Is Becoming Cheaper Than Ever Before
In 1999, the Tampa Tribune reported that LASIK cost around $4,800 per eye. Today, Market Scope reports that the national average cost of LASIK surgery is $2,246 per eye. That’s a decrease of more than 50% in the last two decades.
Fortunately, LASIK is even more affordable if you have vision insurance: many insurance companies offer to help cover the costs of the procedure. Some plans will even include coverage for follow-up eye exams and prescription eye drops required post-surgery.
Getting LASIK Is Easier Than You Think
Undergoing LASIK surgery takes less time than it does to watch a movie–seriously!
From the moment you walk into the clinic to prepare for the surgery until the moment you leave after surgery, you’ll only spend 90 minutes at a LASIK centers. The actual surgery is roughly 15 minutes long, during which time you remain conscious and comfortably seated. When you finally leave the clinic, you’ll already see with improved vision.
However, you will be required to wear special sunglasses outside to prevent any dust or allergens from accidentally blowing into your eyes while they’re healing. Until you’re fully healed, you’ll be expected to regularly apply prescription eye drops. Afterwards, you can move on with your life with a new set of eyes.
The experience isn’t even painful for patients. Local anesthesia is applied through an eye dropper before surgery, and you won’t feel anything that comes into contact with your eyes. At the most, you may feel a very slight pressure at the back of your eyes during the procedure.
Consider These 4 Benefits If You’re On The Fence About LASIK
1. You won’t need glasses or contacts after LASIK.
In the Patient-Reported Outcomes With LASIK (PROWL) studies, researchers found that less than 1% of people who have LASIK need contact lenses or glasses afterward.
2. Since LASIK surgery is permanent, you’ll save between $300 to $800 per year.
NerdWallet reports that the average person spends $150 for an annual optometrist visit and $50 on a vision test to determine their prescription. Then, even if you get the cheapest contact lenses, you’ll spend at least $375 a year according to CostHelper. Want to wear glasses? You’ll pay between $100 to $600 yearly according to OpticianWorks.
3. LASIK has one of the fastest recovery times of any surgery.
You’re back to normal and can already see immediately after the surgery is over. On average, most people can return to work in 2 days or less.
4. You can achieve vision that’s better than 20/20 with LASIK.
With technologies like Custom WaveFront laser treatment, LASIK is so precise that you can end up with better eyesight than you’d experience with glasses or contacts. You won’t just correct your poor eyesight; you’ll have vision that’s better than the average person’s.
If you’re still deciding on whether or not LASIK is right for you, make sure to do your homework. Before you settle on a choice, do some research online to learn about the different procedures, clinics, doctors, and pricing. Your vision is crucial, and you want to know absolutely everything before undergoing LASIK.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.
