Is LASIK Worth the Cost? A Realistic Cost-Benefit Analysis

LASIK eye surgery costs $2,000-$3,000 per eye, averaging about $4,400 for both eyes. That's a significant investment. But when you compare it to a lifetime of glasses and contacts, the math might surprise you.

The average person spends $500-$700 per year on glasses or contact lenses. Over 20 years, that's $10,000-$14,000. Over 30 years, $15,000-$21,000. LASIK pays for itself in roughly 6-8 years for most people.

Beyond the financial math, there's a quality of life factor that's hard to put a price on. No more foggy glasses in winter, no more dry contact lens days, no more scrambling to find glasses in the morning. Surveys consistently show 95%+ patient satisfaction rates.

However, LASIK isn't for everyone. You need to be at least 18 (ideally 21+) with a stable prescription for at least a year. Severe dry eye, very thin corneas, or very high prescriptions may disqualify you. A thorough consultation will determine if you're a candidate.

The technology has improved dramatically. Modern bladeless (all-laser) LASIK has complication rates under 1%. The most common side effect is temporary dry eye, which resolves in 3-6 months for most patients. Serious complications like vision loss are extremely rare (less than 0.1%).

Not all LASIK is equal. Be wary of heavily discounted LASIK ($999 per eye or less). These often use older technology or quote a base price that doesn't include necessary upgrades. A reputable surgeon using modern wavefront-guided technology is worth the premium.

Many employers offer FSA or HSA accounts that let you pay for LASIK with pre-tax dollars. This effectively gives you a 20-30% discount depending on your tax bracket. On a $4,400 procedure, that's $900-$1,300 in savings.

Most LASIK centers offer 0% financing for 12-24 months, making the monthly payment $185-$370. If you're spending $50-$60/month on contacts already, the net increase is surprisingly manageable.

One important caveat: LASIK doesn't prevent age-related vision changes. Most people over 40 will still need reading glasses eventually, whether they've had LASIK or not. LASIK corrects distance vision, not presbyopia.

The verdict: For most people between 21-45 with moderate prescriptions, LASIK is an excellent investment both financially and for quality of life. The break-even point is typically 6-8 years, and satisfaction rates are among the highest of any elective procedure.