Is Vision Correction Worth the Cost?
Doing the math to compare the costs of PRK/ASA with glasses and contacts
ASA / PRK surgery isn’t cheap. At around $5,500 total, it’s a serious investment, and we understand it’s not a small decision. But if you’ve been relying on glasses or contacts for years (or expect to for decades), it’s worth taking a closer look at what you’re actually spending just to maintain your vision.
Spoiler Alert: the totals may surprise you…
One Procedure, One Cost, No Daily Hassle
At Moskowitz Eye Care, Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) costs either $4,600 or $5,600 for both eyes. That includes testing, the surgery itself, and every post-op follow-up visit. Once your eyes heal, it’s done – no more prescriptions, no more maintenance, no more wondering if your contacts will dry out halfway through the day.
What a Lifetime of Glasses and Contacts Actually Run
Here’s what the average person pays over time. This assumes your eyes don’t develop contact lens intolerance or need increasingly expensive lenses.
As you’ll see below, the average ASA or PRK patient will save money by year 7 or 8, depending on how they’ve been correcting their vision. And unlike the slow drip of costs with glasses or contacts, ASA’s benefits are immediate and life-changing.
Note:
The above estimates are based on what most patients actually spend over time. For glasses, we assumed a new pair every two years at $400 to $600 each (which adds up quickly, especially if you add coatings, upgrades, or backup pairs).
For contact lenses, we used an average of $500 to $700 per year for daily or monthly lenses, plus another $100 annually for solution, cases, and rewetting drops. These are conservative numbers, since many patients spend even more, especially as prescriptions change or eyes grow more sensitive over time.
When is the Right Time to Get ASA?
Technically, ASA is for most adults ages 18 to 60 (click here to check your eligibility). But financially? The earlier you do it, the more value you get. Someone in their 20s or 30s might avoid decades of vision-related expenses, not to mention the daily frustration that comes with glasses or contact lens wear.
It’s not just about cost, either. I treat a lot of patients in their 40s and 50s finally doing this and saying, “I wish I had done it sooner.”
ASA Doesn’t Just Save Money – It Simplifies Your Life!
Patients tell us the biggest benefit isn’t financial, it’s freedom:
No more dry, irritated eyes from contacts
No more fogged-up glasses on cold mornings
No more packing backups for every trip
No more feeling tethered to your prescription
Just clear vision every day.
Flexible Financing Available
ASA isn’t covered by vision or health plans. But we do accept CareCredit, which allows you to split the cost into affordable monthly payments. If the up-front cost is a barrier, we can help you work around it.
Ready to find out if ASA is right for you? Come in for a free consultation if you live in New York City – no pressure, no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about your options.