Is LASIK Worth It? A Glasses & Contacts Break-Even Calculator
Example: What you spend on glasses & contacts per year: 600 $ · One-time LASIK cost (both eyes): 4400 $ · Years you would keep buying glasses/contacts: 20
| Lifetime savings with LASIK | $7,600 |
| LASIK pays for itself in (years) | 8 |
| Total spent on glasses/contacts | $12,000 |
| One-time LASIK cost | $4,400 |
Worked example
Spend about $600 a year on contacts, glasses, and exams and that adds up to $12,000 over 20 years. A typical LASIK procedure runs around $4,400 for both eyes — so it pays for itself in roughly 8 years, and across two decades you come out about $7,600 ahead. Invest that $7,600 instead of handing it to the optical shop, and the gap grows wider still.
Frequently asked questions
How much does LASIK actually cost?
In 2025-2026, LASIK typically runs $2,000-$3,000 per eye, or roughly $4,000-$7,000 for both eyes. The price usually includes the pre-operative exam, the procedure itself, and follow-up care for at least a year. A high prescription or custom wavefront treatment sits at the upper end.
Is LASIK really cheaper than glasses and contacts over time?
Often, if you are young enough to spread the cost out. Industry estimates put ten years of contacts at roughly $6,400-$15,200, versus about $1,200-$3,600 for glasses. If your ongoing spend is on the higher end, a one-time LASIK cost can break even in well under a decade.
Can I pay for LASIK with an HSA or FSA?
Usually yes. Most medical insurance treats LASIK as elective and will not cover it, but it is an HSA- and FSA-eligible expense. Paying with pre-tax dollars effectively discounts the procedure by your marginal tax rate.
How long does LASIK last?
For most people the correction is permanent, but it does not stop the eye from aging. Many still need reading glasses from their mid-40s as presbyopia sets in, so be realistic about a very long time horizon.
What is the catch?
LASIK is not for everyone — thin corneas, very high prescriptions, chronic dry eye, or an unstable prescription can rule it out, and there is a small risk of side effects like glare or dryness. Only a surgeon consultation can tell you if you are a candidate. This tool compares cost, not medical suitability.