Is LASIK worth it at?

Asked by: Clarabelle Conn V  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (60 votes)

Most people report high satisfaction after LASIK surgery. But long-term results often aren't available or haven't been well studied. Part of the reason for this is that people are overall satisfied after surgery, so they don't feel a need for repeat examinations and follow-up data is not collected.

Is LASIK worth it financially?

The national average cost of LASIK surgery is $2,436 per eye. Understandably, prospective patients may find the price of LASIK unsettling, however, most people will save money over time by having the procedure, especially those who wear contacts.

Is there a downside to LASIK?

Although LASIK may cause dry eyes for up to three months (and can be managed with artificial tears), the odds of it becoming a permanent issue are rare. Another uncommon side effect: nighttime glare or halos. Still, said Hood, "the risk is much lower than it used to be and the technology is much better.

What is the regret rate for LASIK eye surgery?

Furthermore, 99% of patients achieve 20/40 vision. Only 3% of patients regret getting LASIK.

Is LASIK worth it in the 20s?

In your twenties, LASIK eye surgery can be a smart investment for your future vision. LASIK offers the potential for long-term visual correction, freeing you from the daily hassle of glasses or contacts. LASIK can be a valuable tool to enhance your active lifestyle and overall well-being.

Is LASIK Worth It? The Benefits And Risks Explained | True Eye Experts

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At what age is LASIK not worth it?

How Old is Too Old for LASIK? Surgeons at The Eye Institute of Utah have performed LASIK on patients in their 50's and beyond. While there is no cutoff age for LASIK candidacy, there are several reasons why the average age of LASIK patients tops out around 45: The risk of developing cataracts increases as we age.

When is LASIK not recommended?

You have age-related eye changes that affect your ability to focus up close, called presbyopia. You actively participate in contact sports. If you regularly receive blows to the face and eyes, such as during martial arts or boxing, LASIK surgery may not be a good choice for you.

Is there a better alternative to LASIK?

Refractive lens exchange

RLE is a good alternative for patients with severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia or astigmatism, or if the surgeon believes laser surgery is not the best option. In both younger and older patients, RLE has a high success rate.

Does LASIK cause problems later in life?

But certain side effects of LASIK eye surgery are common. These include dry eyes and temporary visual problems such as glare. These symptoms usually clear up after a few weeks or months. Few people consider them to be a long-term problem.

Why do doctors not get LASIK?

Just like any other patient, eye doctors have unique vision requirements and preferences. LASIK might not be the most suitable option for everyone, including eye care professionals. Some eye doctors may have naturally good vision or may have a preference for glasses or contact lenses for personal reasons.

Is lasik surgery painful?

During LASIK or SMILE, patients do not feel pain. There is a brief moment lasting 30-40 seconds when the LASIK flap or SMILE lenticule is being created where patients feel a sensation of pressure on the eye. Some describe this as feeling similar to wearing a tight pair of swimming goggles.

How long does LASIK last?

While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of this surgery will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.

What are the odds of LASIK failing?

LASIK Failure Rate

LASIK is a safe and effective laser vision correction surgery with a complication rate of less than 1%. [7] It's extremely rare for the surgery to truly fail and leave patients worse than they were before the procedure was complete.

What disqualifies you from LASIK?

When is LASIK not for me?
  • You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability. ...
  • You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. ...
  • You actively participate in contact sports. ...
  • You are not an adult.

How long after LASIK can I see 20/20?

While most folks reach 20/20 vision within a few weeks or months, it might take longer for others. Your vision can even improve up to six months after LASIK!

How much should I save for LASIK eye surgery?

So, What is the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery? Depending on the components listed above, the cost of laser eye surgery generally ranges from $1,500 to more than $3,000 per eye.

What are the drawbacks of LASIK surgery?

Dry eyes: After LASIK surgery, some people may experience dry eyes, which can be uncomfortable and may require ongoing treatment. Glare and halos: Some people may experience glare and halos around lights, particularly at night. This can be temporary or permanent and can affect driving and other activities.

Who is not suitable for laser eye surgery?

Those who may not be candidates include: Individuals under 18 years of age. People with unstable prescriptions. Those with certain eye diseases like glaucoma or keratoconus.

Is it better to wear glasses or get LASIK?

LASIK offers a more permanent solution with greater convenience but comes with higher costs and surgical risks. Glasses, while non-invasive and adjustable, require ongoing maintenance and can pose lifestyle limitations.

What new treatment is better than LASIK?

In 2022, the FDA approved the EVO Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) for treating nearsightedness in patients with moderate to severe myopia with or without astigmatism. Unlike LASIK surgery, which reshapes the cornea, inserting the permanent implantable contact lens does not change the shape of the cornea.

What makes LASIK more expensive?

There are several variations on this type of surgery as well, so costs reflect the particular type of treatment that you're receiving. Since newer methods are much more precise, have better results, shorter recovery times, and less complications, they tend to come with a heftier price tag.

Why can't you cry after LASIK?

However, the myths such as effect of crying to the eyes, post the surgery are worth addressing, since eyes are the most sensitive organs in the body. Addressing technically, crying after Lasik surgery is not harmful and so safe. However, the threat can be with the rubbing the eyes with pressure, during or after crying.

At what age is it too late for LASIK?

While there is currently no age limit for older adults wanting LASIK surgery, there are some vision conditions affecting adults age 40 and above that can't be treated with this surgery. These conditions are: Presbyopia or blurry near vision typically occurring around age 40. Cataracts or glaucoma.

What cannot be corrected with LASIK?

Cataracts are a disease of the lens, and as such, LASIK will not correct this condition. If you have a cataract, you should be monitored by a cataract specialist, to determine when cataract surgery would be appropriate.