Houston, Texas (NAPSI) - If you are looking into LASIK eye surgery but have been put off by the high price tag, here are some facts you may want to consider. Although the initial cost of LASIK may be significant, it could actually be a good investment and save you money in the long run once you realize you will be wearing, and paying for, glasses or contacts for the next 20 years or more.
It’s a smart idea to do the math and see if the procedure makes sense for you. The American Refractive Surgery Council notes that the investment in LASIK can benefit both your vision and your wallet. Consider these facts:
• If you wear contacts for at least $70 a box, a six-month supply would cost $280.
• If you pay for vision insurance, it may only cost you $10 a month, but it’s only worth it if you get money back on contacts or glasses. Regular checkups are usually free after LASIK surgery.
• If you get a new pair of glasses every year, they could cost you $150 a pair or more. If you need more than one (distance and reading), that could be $300.
• Contact lens supplies also add up—over 10 years, the expense of contact lens maintenance can be well over the cost of the LASIK procedure.
In addition to learning if the procedure is right for your vision, you can also research ways to pay for the procedure, with options that include financing through a health care financing company, financing through a LASIK surgeon or using a flexible spending account. Some financing plans give you up to five years to pay off the procedure.
The IRS considers LASIK to be a tax-deductible medical expense, and while your medical expenditures may have to exceed a certain percentage of your income, the procedure may help you reach that amount.
So don’t let financial considerations keep you from investing in your quality of life. LASIK can deliver great vision, making activities more enjoyable and eliminating the worry and frustration of losing glasses, as well as potential eye irritation and infections related to contact lens use.
You can find more information about considering LASIK and download a refractive surgery checklist by visiting the American Refractive Surgery Council at www.americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org.
