Fears and Misconceptions of LASIK – Is the Price Worth it in the Long Run?

We have personally seen many different types of people come through our Free LASIK Consultation. Some people question technology, some concern themselves with safety, and many are concerned that the cost of the procedure may not outweigh the benefits. Since our website deals largely with the issues of technology and safety, let’s address the issue of cost versus benefits.

First, let’s look at the benefits of a laser vision correction procedure, like LASIK or PRK:

It is possible for a patient to achieve 20/20 eyesight, or even better, with laser vision correction. You could live your life waking up and seeing immediately instead of searching for your glasses. You can experience the spontaneity of life, such as jumping in a swimming pool, playing in the rain, or going out on a windy day, without the fear of how any of these actions may affect your contacts and your ability to see. You can take a nap, free from the worry of taking your contacts out of your eyes first. You don’t have to rush to the store every time you are out of contact lens solution or order more glasses when yours accidentally break. You will be able to see life, naturally.

Is all that worth the cost of LASIK?

Our patients think so.

My wife and I wore glasses and contacts for years. Since having LASIK it is great to be able to see across the room in the morning without hunting for our glasses. We both had a very positive experience at Buckley Chang Eye Institute. We were treated very well, and the surgery procedure was fast and painless.
Having Lasik was well worth the investment, and we enjoy its benefits every day!
Michael Unger
Managing Director
Sport Development
USA Swimming

I am in the Real Estate business and it has helped tremendously being able to see street signs crystal clear and I enjoy the outdoors a whole lot more with my family. I would recommend the staff and Dr. Buckley to my friends and family, as a matter of fact, I already have.
Thank you for giving me the freedom of not being tied to wearing glasses. It is a miracle to say the least!
Sincerely,
Dean Weissman

However, some people have heard that people who have had LASIK eventually return to wearing glasses. How can this be if they have already had their vision corrected?

Let’s clear up one fact – LASIK or laser vision correction will NOT give you excellent vision for your whole lifetime.

Wait – what?

It’s true. LASIK and laser vision correct will correct refractive errors - nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. 

However, your eyes are living organs and there are certain, inevitable conditions that occur due to aging. One of these conditions is known as Presbyopia. Presbyopia is when the natural lenses in your eyes begin to harden. When you are young, your lenses are flexible so they can adjust to seeing near and far. As you age, these lenses harden. When they lose their flexibility, bifocals or reading glasses are used to help your eyes adjust.

Another inevitable is cataracts. Everyone will develop cataracts as they age. The affect that a cataract has on your vision depends largely upon the degree to which they form. Some people will never notice the affect while others may go blind.

The age at which you develop cataracts and/or presbyopia is not predetermined. For some, the symptoms of presbyopia can begin appearing as early as 40. For others, they may not have any side effects until 50 or older. For cataracts, most don’t appear until your early 60s or even into your 70s.

So back to the question – is the cost of LASIK worth it in the long run?

Let’s say you are nearsighted and you purchase disposable contact lenses every month. Then you have to purchase cleaning solution each month. If you lose a contact, tear it, it falls out, etc., then you have to replace your monthly supply faster than anticipated. You also have to get a pair of glasses for the times you don’t have contacts or if you have an eye infection or you’ve worn your contacts for too long. These glasses can easily be lost or broken, so it’s not just a one-time expense. 

This is a cost you have to pay every month, consistently for 20 or more years. You are stuck with plastic on your eyes and the constraints they present just so you don’t have to compromise the ability to see.

Or you can have laser vision correction and have your procedure paid off in two years or less. You'll gain the extra money in your budget and excellent eyesight to view life as it is. You’ll also gain the spontaneity that life has to offer because you can see clearly, naturally. Here more from our patients.

My search led me to the Buckley Chang Eye Institute and by the time my first consultation was over, I knew I had found the right place. In my book, actions speak louder than words. The fact that Dr. Buckley has invested in the latest world class diagnostic equipment and lasers available, meant that he had the best interests of his patients at heart. His credentials are impeccable. His staff is top notch. They set straight erroneous information I had received from other clinics.
I've since had the surgery and can't be happier with the results. My vision is even better than I had thought possible! It's given me a new lease on life and freedom I haven't experienced with a lifetime of wearing glasses.
If you're considering surgery, please give me a call or email and I'll gladly share my research findings with you or answer any questions about my experience.
Susan Wehner
Owner
Millennium III Partnership LLC

LASIK has made a huge improvement. I can see the bottles of shampoo in the shower, and don't have to stand with my nose in the mirror in the morning to get ready. I'm a motorcycle enthusiast and I like to have the freedom to not wear glasses or contacts under my helmet. I was worried about losing my near vision but I still have that too. I don't have to wear reading glasses! It's been wonderful.
Dr. Buckley is very knowledgeable about what he does and that's very important to a patient. He was very calming and reassured me throughout the procedure. My hat is off to Dr. Buckley's staff. He has an excellent staff that keeps patients coming back.
Diane DeMasters