Fears and
Misconceptions of Laser Vision Correction – Is the Price Worth it in the Long Run?
We have personally seen many different types of people come
through our Free LASIK
Consultation. Some people question technology, some concern
themselves with safety, and many are concerned that the cost of the procedure
may not outweigh the benefits. Since our website deals largely with the issues
of technology and safety, let’s address the issue of cost versus benefits.
First,
let’s look at the benefits of a laser vision correction procedure, like LASIK
or PRK:
It is possible for a patient to achieve 20/20 eyesight, or even
better, with laser vision correction. You could live your life waking up and
seeing immediately instead of searching for your glasses. You can experience
the spontaneity of life, such as jumping in a swimming pool, playing in the
rain, or going out on a windy day, without the fear of how any of these actions
may affect your contacts and your ability to see. You can take a nap, free from
the worry of taking your contacts out of your eyes first. You don’t have to
rush to the store every time you are out of contact lens solution or order more
glasses when yours accidentally break. You will be able to see life, naturally.
Is all that worth the cost of laser vision correction?
Our patients think so.
However, some people have heard that people who have had laser vision correction eventually return to wearing glasses. How can this be if they have already had
their vision corrected?
Let’s clear up one fact – LASIK or laser vision correction will
NOT give you excellent vision for your whole
lifetime.
Wait – what?
It’s true. Your eyes are living organs and there are certain,
inevitable conditions that occur due to aging. One of these conditions is known
as Presbyopia. Presbyopia is when the natural lenses in your eyes begin to
harden. When you are young, your lenses are flexible so they can adjust to
seeing near and far. As you age, these lenses harden. When they lose their
flexibility, bifocals or reading glasses are used to help your eyes adjust.
Another inevitable is cataracts. Everyone will develop cataracts
as they age. The affect that a cataract has on your vision depends largely upon
the degree to which they form. Some people will never notice the affect while
others may go blind.
The age at which you develop cataracts and/or presbyopia is not
predetermined. For some, the symptoms of presbyopia can begin appearing as
early as 40. For others, they may not have any side effects until 50 or older.
For cataracts, most don’t appear until your early 60s or even into your 70s.
So back to the question – is the cost of laser vision correction worth it in the
long run?
Let’s say you are nearsighted and you purchase disposable contact
lenses every month. Then you have to purchase cleaning solution each month. If
you lose a contact, tear it, it falls out, etc., then you have to replace your
monthly supply faster than anticipated. You also have to get a pair of glasses
for the times you don’t have contacts or if you have an eye infection or you've worn your contacts for too long. These glasses can easily be lost or broken, so
it’s not just a one-time expense.
This is a cost you have to pay, every month, consistently for 20
or more years. You are stuck with plastic on your eyes and the constraints they
present just so you don’t have to compromise the ability to see.
Or you can have laser vision correction and have your procedure
paid off in two years or less. You'll gain the extra money in your budget and
excellent eyesight to view life as it is. You’ll also gain the spontaneity that
life has to offer because you can see clearly, naturally.
