While some people hesitate to undergo the LASIK surgery procedure because of the cost, a closer look at the benefits of LASIK reveals you could more save money in the long run. For both eyes, LASIK eye surgery costs approximately $2000 to $4500. You may be surprised to find that LASIK is a better investment than glasses or contacts, especially when you compare the costs. LASIK can help you save on the cost of LASIK in the following ways:
No More Vision Correction Costs
The cost of prescription eyewear can quickly add up. Disposable contacts can cost anywhere from $30 to $70 per box, depending on the brand. Prescription glasses cost an average of $212 a pair, but you can count on that figure being higher when you start to consider designer frames and other add-ons. Prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, contact lenses, accessories, eye doctor visits and other fees could total up to four figures in just a few years. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Americans spend $15 billion per year on eye wear which would be far more than the cost of the procedure at a LASIK vision center. Depending on your health or vision insurance, your eyewear needs may be only partially covered or not covered at all. LASIK patients no longer need to worry about ordering and paying for expensive contacts, working with insurance limits on eyewear, or replacing glasses. With LASIK, you can save both time and money. Although seemingly trivial, the average ten minutes per day people spend on their contacts add up. And while it only takes seconds to put your glasses, minutes spent blindly searching for misplaced glasses or squinting to try and fix broken glasses can feel like the worst. Thus, these moments can be spent on much more productive (or fun) activities.
Health Savings Account Benefits
When you set aside money for LASIK in a health savings account (HSA), you may end up saving as much as 30 percent on the total procedure cost compared to someone paying out of pocket or with credit. Many LASIK vision centers accept HSA dollars as a form of payment, so you can enjoy a big tax benefit by planning ahead. Remember that some employers offer HSA contribution matches, which could also help to offset the cost of your procedure. The long-term benefits of LASIK eye surgery also come into play here. Once you pay for the laser eye surgery procedure, your vision-related expenses are greatly reduced or even eliminated. You can use HSA dollars that previously went toward glasses and contacts for other medical financing options. It’s important to be familiar with the rules of your particular HSA before scheduling your LASIK procedure. You can also talk to your company’s human resources representative for specific information.
Vision Plan Discounts
Many LASIK Vision Centers accept vision plans, which can provide you with even more discounts on the cost of laser vision correction. When you combine these discounts with a health savings account, you’ll end up paying a fraction of the cost of the expenses associated with contact lenses and prescription eyeglasses. Each vision plan offers different benefits, and each LASIK provider has guidelines for combining discounts, so do your homework before finalizing your plans. A simple cost analysis will help you determine if and how LASIK is a better investment for your vision correction needs.