The Lifetime Cost of Glasses & Eye Surgery

As we get older, it’s no secret that we need to start worrying about our deteriorating eyesight. As we start to experience nearsightedness, farsightedness, or presbyopia, we are often faced with two options: a lifetime of corrective lenses or LASIK eye surgery. Inconvenience and complications aside, you may be wondering, “How much will eye surgery or a lifetime of glasses cost me?”

Some people are fortunate to have a vision plan through their insurance. This can cover whichever treatment they choose. But, for most of us, the cost of each treatment matters; and not just to our wallets, but also to our health.

Have you ever stopped to consider just how much your glasses would add up to cost over your lifetime? Or what they might be doing to your overall vision health? What about the risks of LASIK surgery?

Hold on to your seats (and wallets)! In this post, we’ll talk about the potential damage that contacts, glasses, and eye surgery can have on your bottom line.

The Cost of Glasses and Eye Surgery

Obviously, there are regional factors, personal factors, price concerns, and doctor-to-doctor variables that affect any decision concerning your vision health. Then, there are natural alternatives that have their own benefits and prices. Keep in mind that the following costs of glasses and eye surgery are more of a ballpark estimate.

What You’ll Spend on Corrective Contact Lenses

If you’re nearsighted, you’re one of many in the world with this refractive error. It’s also very common for people with nearsightedness to consider getting contact lenses. Your contacts will likely cost anywhere from $25 to $30 for a box of six pairs of lenses.

Most people replace their contacts once every two weeks. So, we can assume that you may need to buy as many as 10 boxes of contact lenses a year. Before exam fees, your contacts will likely cost around $250-$300 every single year.

If you have special issues such as astigmatism, presbyopia, or dry eyes, you may need special contacts. These can run up to $70 a box ($700 a year). As you can see, the cost of contact lenses can add up very quickly.

Besides the cost, you need to consider the potential side effects of wearing lenses. Without proper care and handling, you can infect your eyes with bacteria and cause long-term issues. If you don’t take them out within the recommended time frame, you can cause severe irritation in your eyes. This is not to mention the challenges children with vision problems have putting contacts in and taking them out. That’s a huge responsibility for any child.

What You’ll Spend on Corrective Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses were invented in the 15^th century and have been immensely popular ever since. The cost of glasses is a bit trickier to pin down as there’s so much price variation out there. If you’re concerned about how you look, you may want an expensive pair of glasses that make you feel your best.

It’s not uncommon for people to pay as much as $500+ for the “right” pair of eyeglasses. If you’re more moderate and less fashionable, $150 or so is the average price folks pay. Of course, it really just depends on where you shop.

If you’re really strapped for cash, you may be able to find glasses online for $30 or less. The problem with this is that internet glasses have not been fitted to your face shape. They won’t be the most flattering style, and you’ll have to wait 1-3 weeks for them to arrive. This depends on where they’re shipping from, of course.

You’ll also have to consider that you may need a couple of pairs of eyeglasses each time your prescription changes, depending on what your visual and fashion needs are!

What You’ll Spend on Corrective Eye Surgery

Surgery isn’t cheap, even with insurance covering most of it. LASIK eye surgery is no exception! Though you can find a doctor to operate on your eyes for less, reports say that the average price is about $4500.

Some doctors will charge much, much more, and some will charge much, much less. A doctor who seems like a good deal today may not look so hot after a surgery that leaves you with side effects. Some patients have experienced halos, dry eye syndrome, discomfort, and decreased night vision. In severe cases, patients are left with nerve damage in the cornea. So, think twice before you choose the cheapest doc on the market!

Are There Natural Alternatives?

If all this info has left you with a small case of sticker shock, it may be worth your time to investigate natural alternatives to corrective lenses and eye surgery. There are many different things you can do to improve your vision naturally. And, they’re much more affordable than the lifetime cost of glasses or eye surgery.

Start with your diet. The eyes function best when they’re getting enough nutrients. Some of the most important nutrients for vision health are lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Actually, there are 17 key vitamins your eyes need. If you can’t get all these nutrients from your diet, consider a supplement. Just by taking a vision-enhancing vitamin supplement every day, you can improve your vision and keep it strong for years.

Next, start practicing eye exercises. Your eyes’ muscles need exercise and stretching just like your other muscles. Staring straight ahead at a screen all day doesn’t give your eyes much movement. So, implement a vision therapy routine full of stretches and exercises every day.

You may be thinking, “But these natural alternatives won’t work today or tomorrow!” Indeed, the natural route usually takes longer than a trip to the glasses store or even the duration of LASIK surgery. However, these are long-term treatment options that will impact your vision for the rest of your life. When you wear glasses, eventually your eyes will change, and you’ll need a stronger prescription. With LASIK surgery, there are serious consequences that can harm your vision. You can avoid both scenarios by going to the source: your eyes.

When you commit to taking care of your eyes, you’ll see an improvement in your vision. Imagine what you could do with all the money you’ll be saving on corrective lenses or unnecessary surgery!