Reading Glasses vs. LASIK

The ultimate goal ofeverybody with vision problems is to see better with the least amount ofinconvenience to them. Traditionally, the only option for most people arecumbersome eyeglasses that are constantly being misplaced, going out of style,or simply getting in the way of normal everyday activity. In the first decadeof the 21st Century, our options are becoming almost limitless.Millions of people are giving up on reading glasses and taking advantage oflasers with procedures like CustomLASIK surgery, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

There are many advantages tousing reading glasses, they are portable, and you can put them on or removethem as needed. Reading glasses perform their job well. They allow you to seethings at close range, and are good for activities like sewing, reading, modelbuilding, or anything involving your near vision. As you age, your ability tofocus on things nearby worsens, a condition called presbyopia. They are lessconvenient when you find yourself switching glasses for near and distancevision, or having to change magnifying strength or even your prescriptionfrequently. A major tipping point leading people to finally elect LASIK is whenthey have to switch to progressive lenses.

There are numerous types oflaser refractive surgery from which to chose, including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), LASIK,and Laser-Assisted Sub-EpithelialKeratectomy (LASEK). Since both reading glasses and LASIK help improvevision, there must be a point at which people decide to undergo the procedureand put away their reading glasses. The choice between convenience and theexpense of the surgery is one of the main considerations people must make whendeciding on surgery.

Some studies indicate thatwhen you add up the total cost of your ophthalmologist visits, the price ofyour glasses and frames, prescription sunglasses and all the sundry accessoriesthat go with wearing glasses, you could pay for a laser refractive surgery inapproximately three years. The cost and inconvenience of wearing andmaintaining contact lenses is even greater.

Approximately one millionpeople per year elect to undergo LASIK vision correction in the hope that theywill have permanent vision correction. Anywhere from 54 to 84 percent of peopleexperience satisfactory results, depending on which studies you read. A highnumber of patients have their vision corrected to 20/40 vision, which is goodenough to pass most drivers' license exams, and many are corrected to 20/20vision.

Like all surgical procedures, LASIK and other laser refractive surgeries havecertain risks and complications. The majority of people who are dissatisfiedwith their LASIK results went into the procedure with unrealistic expectationsand actually experience good vision correction. A few people experienceproblems with night vision issues, infection, or improperly healed cornealflaps, but the percentages are small and can be greatly reduced by finding ahighly qualified laser vision surgeon in your area.

If you are tired of yourreading glasses and are looking for a permanent vision correction option, don'tlet the cost of the procedure hold you back. The procedure can pay for itselfin just a few years. Many vision centers offer other financing options that canhelp you spread out the payments. While most insurance companies do not coverlaser vision correction, many companies offer cafeteria plans with medicalsavings accounts that can be used to defray some, if not all of the costs. Itis important to find an experienced laser vision specialist who is qualified touse the latest laser technology.