Regarding our health, we all want to get the most bang for our buck—right? The same goes for our eye care.
We want eye care services and treatments that will improve our vision and help us see better. But we also don’t want to break the bank, especially when you don’t have a vision insurance plan.
So, what are some eyecare treatments that are worth the money? Here are six treatments that made the list:
1. LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery is a type of refractive surgery used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The surgery involves using a laser to reshape the cornea so that light can be properly focused on the retina—the part of the eye responsible for sending images to the brain.
You can choose to have the standard LASIK or custom LASIK. The difference between the two treatments is that custom LASIK allows surgeons to map out and customize a treatment plan based on your unique corneal dimensions and vision needs.
A LASIK surgery can be an excellent option for those looking to improve their vision and reduce the need for corrective eyewear. However, it is important to note that a LASIK surgery does come with certain risks and side effects.
Potential side effects include:
- Dry eyes
- Glare and halos
- Difficulty seeing at night
- The need for additional eye surgeries
LASIK surgery can be expensive, but it is often covered by insurance plans. And many people report a significant improvement in their vision after the procedure.
2. PRK Surgery
PRK surgery is another type of refractive surgery that can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Unlike LASIK surgery, which involves reshaping the cornea, PRK involves removing a small amount of tissue from the cornea’s surface. This helps to correct vision by changing how light enters the eye and focusing on the retina.
Like LASIK surgery, PRK can be expensive but is often covered by insurance plans—and many people report excellent results following the procedure.
3. Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a common procedure that is performed to remove cataracts—a condition in which cloudy spots form on the lens of the eye, making it difficult to see clearly.
Cataract surgery involves making small incisions in the eye and then using a high-frequency ultrasound device to break up and remove the cataracts.
In most cases, patients report dramatic improvements in their vision following cataract surgery—making it well worth the money spent on this common procedure.
4. Presbyopia Surgery
Presbyopia surgery is a procedure that is used to correct presbyopia. This eye condition often occurs in individuals over the age of 40, in which they are unable to focus on close objects.
Presbyopia surgery involves using small incisions at the edge of the cornea to place a laser-based lens implant inside the eye. This implant helps to increase the eye’s focusing power.
While presbyopia surgery can be expensive, many people report excellent results following the procedure—making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to correct their vision.
If you have presbyopia, ask your eye care provider if surgery is necessary.
5. Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery
Refractive lens exchange surgery is a procedure that can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is one of the many types of refractive surgery procedures.
Unlike LASIK surgery, which reshapes the cornea, refractive lens exchange involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This implant can then be used to correct vision by harnessing light in a way that focuses it directly on the retina.
While this procedure is more expensive than other types of surgery, many people report excellent results following refractive lens exchange—making it an investment worth considering for those who want comprehensive eyecare treatment.
Ask your optometrist which type of refractive surgery procedure is right for you.
6. Retinal Detachment Surgery
Retinal detachment surgery is a procedure that involves repairing the retina of the eye. The retina is responsible for transmitting images to the brain and serves as the foundation for our ability to see clearly.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retinal tissue pulls away from its normal position on the back wall of the eye, causing blurred or distorted vision in affected individuals. If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss—making it important to seek treatment immediately if you suspect this condition has developed.
Fortunately, retinal detachment surgery is often covered by insurance plans. It can result in excellent results for most patients—making it well worth any money spent on getting help with your vision problems.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your eye health means seeing an eye care professional for routine eye exams. With preventative eye care, early screening, diagnosis, and treatment for eye diseases are possible.
While not every eyecare treatment will be right for everyone, the above procedures, along with comprehensive eye exams, can help to correct many common vision problems.
Whether you’re looking to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia, there is likely a treatment option that can help improve your vision—and it’s usually worth the investment.
So, if you’re ready to ditch those eyeglasses and contacts, consider one of the many treatments for eyecare that are now available. Schedule an exam with an eye doctor and get the treatment you deserve!