Let me just start by saying when I went to pick out new glasses
this year, it took me 6 trips to the optometrist, two appointments, and trying
4 different pairs of glasses before we were able to get things right. If there
was ever time a I was exhausted by my inability to see without glasses...it's
now.
I jumped at the chance to learn more about the LASIK procedure at an
event hosted by the Refractive Survey Council at Kugler Vision. There were two
primary issues holding me back from looking into this earlier:
1. Cost
2. Being told I needed to wait until after kids
I'll start with #2. I've been waiting to have LASIK until I was
done having children, because I'd heard that many pregnant women's eyesight
changes during pregnancy, and may not go back. Kugler Vision dispelled that myth for me, saying
that there are times your eyesight may change due to the hormones of pregnancy,
but it will go back! Just think...I could have been glasses free for a number
of years by now!
LASIK costs about $5,000 total for both eyes. Upfront, it is a little pricey, but not
near as high as I suspected it would be. Here is the kicker though, think of
all the things you won't be paying for if you get LASIK
- Glasses (frames and lenses) which usually costs me about $300
after insurance
- Contacts and Solution (assuming you wear contacts, which I keep
a few on hand in case I need them)
- Prescription sunglasses (varies tremendously)
According to Kugler Vision, if you look at just the cost of solution and cases over 30 years
(not even the contacts or glasses themselves) it costs you $5,400.
Now figure in prescription sunglasses and you're looking at $6,000.
...and here is where the math gets you...
Add in prescription glasses and you're looking at $12,000 over 30
years,
and with contacts you're now spending a whopping $34,000
over 30 years buying contacts.
With LASIK...you truly are saving money in the long run!
If you want to read more about the cost of LASIK check out the
Refractive Surgery Council here.
Now think of all the non-monetary perks of not having glasses! I
joke that the one reason I want LASIK is to be able to see my shampoo and
conditioner bottles in the shower. I have a system where shampoo goes on one
side, and conditioner on the other so I know the difference between the bottles
without my glasses on. Not to mention being able to slip on a cute pair of
sunglasses, lay on the couch without my glasses hitting my face, read the clock
at night...the little everyday things that would make life just a little
sweeter.
Did you know you can use your HSA/FSA dollars towards the cost of
LASIK? That means
you can pay for it pre-tax, saving you even more money!
How would I suggest getting the most savings out of a LASIK
procedure?
First, check out this link on Investing in Vision Correction,
then do the following:
1. Plan ahead with budgeting. Go ahead and take advantage of a no-cost consultation
to see if you are eligible for LASIK. The appointment will also give you a
dollar amount for the procedure.
2. Look at your vision insurance. Some vision insurance offers a
discount on LASIK, but compare that to your cost savings of premium if you
decide you will no longer will need vision insurance after LASIK. Vision
insurance does cover annual exams which you will still want after LASIK to maintain
the health of your eyes.
3. Fund your HSA/FSA. Plan for when you want your procedure and fund your savings
account.
4. Save up the remainder. You may not have enough saved in your FSA (for example, FSA
is limited to $2,700 per year in 2018) so you may need to also save up a little
cash on the side to cover it.
5. Schedule your procedure and enjoy your freedom from glasses!
Still thinking about LASIK? Check out the ARSC website for more information on LASIK eye surgery!
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