- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: April 10, 2025
If you’ve been wearing glasses or contact lenses for years, you may have wondered: Is LASIK worth it? The answer depends on your lifestyle, financial priorities, and desire for visual freedom. At Blue Fin Vision®, we believe LASIK Laser Eye Surgery is a life-changing investment that offers convenience, cost savings, and the freedom to live without corrective eyewear. Let’s explore whether LASIK is the right choice for you.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular and highly effective procedure designed to correct vision problems such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea using advanced laser technology, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina for clear vision.
At Blue Fin Vision®, we offer LASIK Laser Eye Surgery starting from only £1,750 per eye at our Harley Street clinic in London. Our experienced surgeons use state-of-the-art technology to ensure precise results and a quick recovery.
Introducing the Ziemer Z8: Cutting-Edge Technology
Blue Fin Vision® is proud to offer the latest advancement in LASIK technology – the Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser. This innovative equipment represents the pinnacle of precision in flap creation, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and safety during your procedure. The Ziemer Z8 delivers:
- Enhanced precision for optimal corneal flap creation.
- Minimised risk of complications due to its advanced design.
- Improved patient comfort with faster treatment times.
By integrating this cutting-edge technology into our procedures, we continue to set the standard for excellence in laser eye surgery.
The Cost of LASIK vs. Glasses and Contact Lenses
One of the most common concerns about LASIK is its upfront cost. However, when compared to the lifetime expense of glasses and contact lenses, LASIK is often more affordable in the long run.
Lifetime Costs of Glasses and Contact Lenses
- Glasses: On average, glasses cost £120 per year. Over 40 years, that adds up to £4,800.
- Contact Lenses: Contact lens wearers spend approximately £250 per year on lenses and solutions. Over 40 years, this totals £10,000.
- Combined Costs: Many people use both glasses and contact lenses interchangeably, increasing their overall expenses.
At Blue Fin Vision®, LASIK costs £3,500 for both eyes. This one-time investment eliminates the need for ongoing eyewear expenses, saving you thousands of pounds over time.
The Convenience Factor
Beyond financial savings, LASIK offers unparalleled convenience:
- No more searching for misplaced glasses or dealing with fogged-up lenses.
- Freedom from daily contact lens routines and discomfort.
- Enhanced confidence in activities like swimming, sports, or travelling without worrying about corrective eyewear.
For many patients, this convenience alone makes LASIK worth it.
Is LASIK Safe?
LASIK is one of the safest elective surgeries available today. At Blue Fin Vision®, our experienced surgeons perform thorough pre-operative assessments to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. The procedure itself is quick – usually completed within 15 minutes per eye – and most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours.
Benefits of LASIK at Blue Fin Vision®
- Performed by expert ophthalmologists with extensive experience.
- Advanced laser technology ensures precision and safety.
- Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Fast recovery time – most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Determining your suitability for LASIK involves assessing several factors to ensure the procedure is safe and effective for your unique needs. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we conduct thorough evaluations to help you make an informed decision.
Key Factors for LASIK Eligibility
Age
While many clinics consider patients over 18 years old for LASIK, Blue Fin Vision® requires patients to be over 21 years of age. This ensures eye stability and maturity, providing the best possible outcomes for your surgery.
Prescription Stability
Unlike common misconceptions, prescription stability isn’t always essential. Our specialists assess the reasons behind any changes in your prescription and determine whether they indicate underlying conditions. Even with fluctuating prescriptions, you may still be eligible for LASIK after a detailed evaluation.
Refractive Errors
LASIK can correct various refractive errors, including:
- Myopia (short-sightedness)
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
- Astigmatism
Patients with mild to moderate refractive errors are typically ideal candidates. Severe cases may require alternative treatments tailored to your condition.
Corneal Thickness
Adequate corneal thickness is crucial for LASIK. If your corneas are thin or irregularly shaped, alternative procedures such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or SMILE may be recommended instead.
Overall Eye Health
Good eye health is essential before undergoing LASIK. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye syndrome, or keratoconus must be managed appropriately prior to surgery. Our comprehensive eye exams ensure that any underlying issues are addressed beforehand.
Medical History
Certain medical conditions – such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders – and medications that affect healing may impact your eligibility for LASIK. A detailed medical history review helps us determine the safest approach for your vision correction needs.
Lifestyle Considerations
Your daily activities and occupational requirements play a significant role in determining suitability for LASIK. For example, professions like pilots or military personnel may require specific types of laser treatments tailored to their unique vision demands.
Who Is Not Suitable for LASIK?
While LASIK is suitable for many people, certain conditions may make the procedure inappropriate:
- Thin or Irregular Corneas: Patients with these issues may benefit from corneal cross-linking (CXL) or other preliminary treatments before considering laser surgery.
- Severe Eye Diseases: Conditions like keratoconus or advanced glaucoma often require specialised treatments rather than LASIK.
- Pregnancy and Nursing: Hormonal changes during these periods can affect vision stability; it’s best to wait until after nursing before undergoing surgery.
- Autoimmune Disorders: These conditions can hinder healing processes, making LASIK less viable in some cases.
Alternatives to LASIK at Blue Fin Vision®
If you’re not suitable for LASIK, there are several other options available:
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): Ideal for older patients or those with presbyopia, RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one to correct refractive errors.
- Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL): A reversible solution involving surgically inserted contact lenses that improve vision without altering the cornea permanently.
- PRK or SMILE Procedures: These alternatives are excellent options for patients with thinner corneas or unique vision correction needs.
At Blue Fin Vision®, we’ll guide you toward the best treatment option to suit your lifestyle and visual goals.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for Your LASIK Surgery?
At Blue Fin Vision®, we combine expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results. Here’s why patients trust us:
- Expert Surgeons
Our Harley Street clinic in London is home to some of the UK’s leading ophthalmologists who specialise in laser eye surgery.
- Advanced Technology
With state-of-the-art equipment like the Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser, we ensure precision and safety during every procedure.
- Personalised Care
From your initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups, we provide tailored care to meet your individual needs.
- Affordable Pricing
With prices starting from only £1,750 per eye and flexible financing options available, we make LASIK accessible to everyone.
Is LASIK Worth It? The Verdict
When weighing up the lifetime costs of glasses and contact lenses against the one-time investment in LASIK, the answer becomes clear – LASIK is worth it for those seeking freedom from corrective eyewear. Beyond financial savings, it offers unmatched convenience and quality of life improvements that make it a truly life-changing decision.
Take the First Step Towards Visual Freedom
Ready to say goodbye to glasses and contact lenses? Book your consultation at Blue Fin Vision® today and discover how our expert team can help you achieve crystal-clear vision with confidence.
Your Path to Crystal-Clear Vision Starts Here – Visit Our Harley Street Clinic in London!
