When it comes to vision correction, folks have options such as eyeglasses and surgery. Some people end up using both options. However, many folks stick with glasses rather than undergo surgery. If you’re on the fence, you may be interested in their reasons. The first has to do with accessibility. For example, it’s easy to buy high-quality, inexpensive prescription glasses online and in person. Meanwhile, surgery requires financial means, doctor consultations, the procedure itself and recovery times. There’s also a risk of complications, although it is low.
The Types of Surgery
First, a quick look at common types of vision correction surgery. The most well-known is laser surgery, namely LASIK or PRK. Some people are better candidates for LASIK than PRK or vice versa. Either can correct conditions such as presbyopia, astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. A laser permanently changes the shape of the retina for better vision, and this surgery is outpatient. It’s pretty easy and quick, but the recovery time is better with LASIK than with PRK. Doing both eyes can cost a little more than $4,000. Insurance generally won’t cover laser surgeries because they’re elective.
People who have eye disease, serious nearsightedness or thin corneas, among other issues, are not good candidates for laser surgery. Instead, they can opt for a surgery to implant contact lenses. A procedure called corneal inlays serves as an alternative to reading glasses or prescription reading glasses. It treats the aging-related condition presbyopia. This surgery, too, is short and simple.
Prescription Glasses Online
As touched on earlier, the easy availability of quality prescription glasses, especially online, is a major reason that people choose glasses over surgery. Folks can even buy prescription sunglasses online. Other reasons for preferring glasses include the following:
- Glasses can serve as a fashion statement/fashion accessory.
- Glasses are comfortable.
- Even though surgeries are commonplace and the risk of complications is low, the idea of going under the “laser” can be scary.
- Not everyone has the money for surgery, or they prefer to spend their savings on other things.
- Other surgeries may still be necessary (for example, cataract surgery 25 years after having LASIK).
- Some people aren’t good candidates for surgery (for example, LASIK requires stable vision, small pupils and no eye disease, among other things).
Also, laser surgeries cannot be done on children because their eyes are growing. Many children who grow up wearing glasses are used to them. They don’t feel the need for surgery.
If you opt for glasses over surgery, check out our selection of prescription glasses online. We offer styles for men, women and children.
