Is LASIK Worth the Investment? A Cost Analysis for Patients
When considering LASIK eye surgery, many patients focus solely on the upfront cost. However, a comprehensive financial analysis reveals that LASIK often provides superior long-term value compared to the ongoing expenses of glasses and contact lenses.
Understanding LASIK Costs at Our Practice
LASIK typically costs $2,200 to $2,800 per eye at Omaha and Lincoln Eye and Laser Institute.
Most of our patients pay approximately $4,500 for both eyes after applying our current $1,000 promotional discount.
The exact cost depends on your prescription complexity. Mild nearsightedness generally falls on the lower end of our pricing range, while severe nearsightedness or significant astigmatism may require more advanced techniques, resulting in higher costs.
While this can be a significant upfront investment, the long-term financial benefits become clear when compared to lifetime eyewear costs.
LASIK vs. Glasses
Quality eyeglasses are an ongoing financial commitment that many people underestimate. When considering the cost of glasses, most patients spend over $400 per year, adding up to more than $4000 over ten years, or $8000 over 20 years.
With our typical cost of $4,500 for both eyes, LASIK patients save $3,500 or more over 20 years compared to glasses, and the savings continue to grow each year thereafter.
LASIK vs. Contact Lenses
Contact lens expenses accumulate quickly due to their consumable nature:
- Annual eye exam: $175
- Initial contact lens fitting and follow-up: $250
- Premium daily disposable lenses: $400-$600
- Annual fitting for contacts: $50
- Annual supply of contacts: $250
- Contact solution: $75 per year
This makes the average annual cost for contact lens wearers around $800, which is $8000 over ten years, and $16,000 over 20 years. Choosing LASIK at The Omaha and Lincoln Eye and Laser Institute over contacts could save patients $3,500 to over the first decade alone, and around $7,000 over 20 years.
Additional Value Considerations
The financial benefits of LASIK extend beyond simple cost comparisons. You can enjoy savings on various expenses, including travel costs for replacing visual aids, reduced time off work for eye exams, and no need to purchase special prescription eyewear for sports or outdoor activities.
While glasses break and contacts tear, LASIK results typically last for decades. Most patients never need retreatment, making the initial investment even more valuable over time.
The mathematics clearly demonstrates that LASIK provides exceptional long-term value for most patients. When you consider that the average American spends around $8000 to $16,000 on vision correction over 20 years, a one-time LASIK investment of approximately $4,500 can lead to tremendous savings.
Schedule your complimentary LASIK consultation with The Omaha and Lincoln Eye and Laser Institute today. During this comprehensive evaluation, we’ll assess your candidacy for the procedure and provide a personalized cost estimate based on your specific vision needs.
