How LASIK Saves You Money Long-Term: Average Lifetime Cost of Vision Care is $31,000

Vision correction with prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses adds up over your life. Most people with refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, need corrective eyewear starting in early childhood or their teen years. With an average lifespan of 77, MyVision.org estimates a lifetime cost of $31,000 for eye exams, new glasses, contact lenses and other required items for healthy eyes and clear vision. LASIK costs an average of $5,264 and can save you money long-term while freeing you from glasses and contacts.

The Atlanta Vision Institute is a leader in vision correction surgery, with Dr. M. Farooq Ashraf at the helm. Dr. Ashraf is a leading ophthalmologist in the area known for his dedication to patient safety and adopting innovative techniques, including Zeiss SMILE and other procedures. He has helped countless patients achieve near-perfect vision with LASIK and can determine if it’s right for you.

The Annual Cost of Poor Vision

MyVision.org surveyed more than 1,050 people with poor vision or who had LASIK. Their research team determined that the average annual cost of poor vision is $500 or higher if patients need to wear prescription sunglasses. Their breakdown included:

• Eye Exam Cost: Annual exams are required to ensure an up-to-date vision prescription, costing $79 or $117 with and without vision insurance, respectively.
• New Prescription Glasses: Most people need a new pair of glasses every year due to scratches, breaking the frame or other issues, with an average of $167 per pair.
• Contact Lenses for One Year: Whether contacts are thrown out daily, switched after a few weeks or used for extended wear, they typically cost someone with poor vision $196 annually.
• Vision Care Products: Lens cleaners, contact lens solutions, contact cases and other products are necessary to maintain glasses and contact lenses and tend to cost $40 each year.
• Prescription Sunglasses: While not everyone needs prescription sunglasses, people who work construction, trucking, farming, fishing and other outdoor professions often need them, costing about $208 annually.

The total someone with poor vision must spend yearly is about $500; or $708 for those who purchase prescription sunglasses.

LASIK Eye Surgery Pays Off in 7 to 10 Years

One of the most cited reasons people say they don’t want LASIK is the cost, but many don’t realize how much they already spend on poor vision. In the United States, LASIK ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye, with a national average of $5,264. While LASIK isn’t “cheap,” it pays off in seven years for those spending over $700 a year or 10 years for those spending $500 annually.

Considering the estimated $31,000 spent on poor vision in a lifetime, the earlier in life someone has LASIK, the more they will save in the long run. LASIK is an investment in your future, and 87% of people are happy with their LASIK results.

If you’re interested in LASIK, contact the Atlanta Vision Institute to schedule an eye exam and discuss your vision correction options. Schedule an eye exam with Dr. Ashraf by calling (770) 622-2488 or filling out our online contact form.