Could Laser Eye Surgery Save You Money in the Long Run?

It’s only natural to want to get a good deal – whether that’s by bartering with a market stall owner or negotiating the right price on your next home. And with the cost of living crisis what it is, this desire to get the best value is stronger than ever. Of course, there are some areas of life where scrimping isn’t a good idea, and your medical care is certainly one of them. But could Laser Eye Surgery actually save you money in the long run?

Let’s face it, Laser Eye Surgery is a significant investment by anyone’s standards. This life-changing treatment is not cheap – and nor should it be. The question you should really be asking is whether the cost is actually worth it and whether it is a cost-effective option compared to the alternatives – namely, glasses or contact lenses.

Laser Eye Surgery Costs vs Glasses and Contact Lenses

When comparing external visual aids like glasses and contact lenses to Laser Eye Surgery, you can look at it as the difference between renting and owning your vision. After all, while glasses and contact lenses may be perfectly adequate at providing clear vision, it is still only temporary. In contrast, Laser Eye Surgery changes the shape of the eye itself, allowing for permanent correction of your current refractive error.

It’s estimated that around 100,000 Laser Eye Surgery procedures are performed every year in the UK alone. With such high numbers of patients opting to undergo treatment to ditch their glasses and contacts, there has to be something to be said for the value of Laser Eye Surgery. But let’s see what the actual numbers tell us.

The True Cost of Glasses

Glasses remain the most popular solution to refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia. For many, glasses are simply a normal part of life. But this can lead to us overlooking the true cost of these pesky visual aids.

In a recent article, we aimed to break down these costs to truly understand whether glasses are a cheaper alternative to Laser Eye Surgery. We found that, according to a Censuswide survey, the average person racks up a lifetime spend of £17,471 on their glasses! However, it is important to note that this also covered the costs of optician’s appointments and other associated fees.

The Financial Burden of Contact Lenses

Most people with a refractive error will initially use glasses to improve their vision. However, as time goes on, many glasses-wearers will start to wear contact lenses, either some or all of the time. But like glasses, the costs associated with these little plastic discs can really start to add up over time.

In a more extensive assessment of the cost of contact lenses vs Laser Eye Surgery, we note that the average daily contact lens wearer can expect to spend anywhere between £288 and £660 per year on their visual aids. This means that, with an average annual inflation rate of 5.2%, your contacts could be costing you up to £10,030 over ten years!

How Does Laser Eye Surgery Compare?

As we mentioned at the start of this article, Laser Eye Surgery can be expensive. This is down to the specialist expertise and cutting-edge technology needed to deliver the safest treatments with the best possible outcomes. But just how does the cost of Laser Eye Surgery really compare to those of glasses and contact lenses over the long term?

Well, at a high-quality clinic like London Vision Clinic, you can expect to pay upwards of £6,200 for Laser Eye Surgery treatment. This price includes all of your pre- and post-operative appointments and aftercare – for life! Moreover, if your initial treatment doesn’t deliver the best possible outcomes, you will be offered an enhancement procedure free of charge!

Even at the higher end of the price spectrum, this means that Laser Eye Surgery may well prove to be better value for money than glasses and contact lenses over the long term. The only way to know for sure is to discuss your treatment options with a knowledgeable clinician.

Cost isn’t the only important consideration

Laser Eye Surgery can indeed be a big upfront expense. But while price is obviously an important consideration when choosing the right clinic for you, it isn’t the only important factor.

The bottom line is that laser Eye Surgery often provides benefits that money can’t buy. The ones that most people struggle to put into words, settling for statements like “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done”, or, “Believe me, you won’t regret it”. They’re incredibly personal and yet everyone can relate when they hear them — thinking about similar times in their lives where they were awe-stricken or felt an inexplicable and profound change in their experience of reality.

Yet this is what Laser Eye Surgery is to many people. It’s not a way to save money; not even a way to get rid of the constant annoyances of glasses and contacts. It’s a way to see the world in a new light; a way to be with their loved ones on a more intimate level, and a way to feel what can only be felt by living day-to-day with clear, unhindered vision.

Would you like to learn more about Laser Eye Surgery treatment options at London Vision Clinic? Get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today!

Laser Eye Treatment Fees start from £6,200 for both eyes. Very complex treatments may cost more.

Interest-FREE finance available over THREE years, from £87 per month for both eyes, makes the best more flexible. Find out more.