Is Vision Insurance Necessary After LASIK?

Is it important to have vision insurance after undergoing LASIK surgery? That depends. While LASIK can significantly improve your visual acuity, vision insurance helps reduce the costs associated with regular eye exams.

LASIK corrects refractive errors by reshaping the cornea to allow light to focus more accurately on the retina. This can address issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, helping to reduce reliance on prescription eyewear. It cannot, however, address all potential ocular health problems.

Vision insurance is designed to cover the costs of regular eye care. This may include comprehensive eye exams and prescription eyewear. Medical or health insurance traditionally covers treatments for conditions of the eye that LASIK does not correct, such as age-related vision changes and various eye diseases. Even after LASIK, regular eye exams are recommended to ensure ocular health is good. Those regular eye exams are a valuable investment of your time for your continued ocular and overall health.

Are You Ready to Learn if LASIK Is Right for You?

If you are interested in LASIK or another vision correction procedure, the eye doctors at 20/20 Institute are here to help. Call us at 303-202-0669 today to schedule a FREE LASIK evaluation and learn how we can help you achieve the vision of your dreams. We maintain offices in Colorado Springs, the Denver Tech Center, Downtown Denver, and Westminster, and serve patients from all areas of the state.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams After LASIK

Vision insurance typically covers most or all of the costs related to annual eye exams and some of the costs of eyewear. A person’s health insurance is what will cover many diagnoseable conditions of the eyes. The regular eye exam is the gateway to monitoring overall eye and systemic health. By closely monitoring your eyes each year, your optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect signs of potentially serious conditions that affect not only your eyes, but your overall well-being. These exams can also help in detecting and managing common post-LASIK adjustments which, while not always necessary, may be needed for continued visual clarity.

Annual eye exams are used to evaluate visual acuity. They are also used to detect and diagnose:

• Age-Related Eye Conditions. As we age, our risk for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration increases. Regular eye exams are critical for the early detection and treatment of these ailments, helping to preserve your vision longer.
• Systemic Health Issues. Annual eye exams can detect systemic health issues as well. These include:
  • Autoimmune Disorders. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can have ocular manifestations that are often identified in routine eye exams.
  • Allergies. Seasonal or chronic allergies can affect your eye health. Regular check-ups help manage these effects before they become more severe.
  • Neurological Conditions. Issues like optic neuritis can be an early indicator of neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. Early detection through eye exams can lead to quicker intervention.
  • Thyroid Disease. Eye symptoms, particularly in conditions like Graves’ disease, can include bulging eyes or other changes in eye appearance or function. These symptoms can be identified during an eye exam, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Vascular Health. Eye exams can detect changes in the blood vessels of your eyes, which can be an early sign of the following conditions:
  • Diabetes. Early diabetic changes in the eyes, such as diabetic retinopathy, can be spotted through detailed eye exams, allowing for early management of the disease.
  • High Blood Pressure. Signs of hypertension can be visible in the retina and can indicate undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
  • High Cholesterol. The presence of cholesterol plaques in retinal blood vessels can be an indicator of elevated cholesterol, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

The costs associated with treating issues such as macular degeneration and glaucoma—along with less worrisome issues like dry eyes—can be incredibly high. Maintaining medical insurance after LASIK ensures the cost of these and other advanced medical treatments are partially or fully covered, helping to protect your visual health without causing severe financial distress.

Will I Still Need Vision Insurance After LASIK? 

When it comes to maintaining vision insurance after LASIK that is less straightforward. Most people have vision insurance to cover the cost of glasses and contacts. However, post-LASIK the need for glasses or contacts is reduced or removed altogether. So, for those patients who are now glasses-free, vision insurance would only assist in covering the cost of the regular eye exam. In many cases, the person is just better off self-paying for that exam versus paying the annual premiums associated with vision insurance. Of course, if that premium is very low or covered by an employer then maintaining vision insurance may still make sense.

Will I Still Need Glasses After LASIK?

You may have heard (or read) that “LASIK will allow you to throw away your glasses and contact lenses.” But, at 20/20 Institute, we value honesty and transparency in all our patient communications, so we avoid these types of misleading and overreaching claims.

LASIK surgery is a powerful tool for improving vision. It can significantly reduce your reliance on glasses for everyday activities. And yes, the vast majority of our patients no longer need any eyeglasses to live their best lives. With the help of our advanced technology and experienced vision correction doctors and staff, 99.67% of our LASIK patients have achieved 20/20 vision or better. However, it’s important to understand that some individuals may still require glasses under certain circumstances, even after LASIK surgery.

You may still need glasses after LASIK surgery for:

Specific Activities

Activities that require exceptionally sharp vision, may still require glasses. Each person’s eyes react uniquely to LASIK, and some may find that wearing glasses for specific tasks ensures optimal vision.

Age-Related Changes

As we age, the lens of our eye naturally hardens. This age-related change—known as presbyopia—typically affects those in their 40s and beyond and makes it difficult to see objects up close. Even after LASIK, you might find the need for reading glasses or bifocals as you age.

Pre-existing Conditions

For those with very complicated eyeglass prescriptions before LASIK, there may be a residual need for glasses. While LASIK can dramatically improve vision, it may not always result in perfect eyesight when pre-surgery conditions are more pronounced.

Long-Term Vision Stability

LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to address refractive errors, but some patients might experience changes in their vision over several years. Regular follow-ups with your eye care provider will help monitor and manage any changes that might require the use of glasses.

As an extension of our long-term commitment to our patients, our No-Charge Standard LASIK Refinement Plan offers long-term peace of mind.  If after your initial full year of follow-up care your vision changes enough to warrant a LASIK refinement, the cost of that surgery would be included in the fee that you paid to 20/20 Institute for your initial LASIK procedures. Of course, appropriate vision and medical qualifications apply. 

LASIK is a life-changing procedure that can significantly reduce your reliance on prescription eyewear, but it is important to maintain realistic expectations. During your FREE LASIK consultation at 20/20 Institute, our team will discuss your specific vision goals and potential outcomes, including the likelihood of needing visual aids in the future. Our commitment is to provide you with clear, comprehensive information so you can make an informed decision about your eye care.

Will Insurance Pay for LASIK?

It is uncommon for insurance to pay for vision correction surgery like LASIK or ICLs. However, at 20/20 Institute, we offer up to a 20% discount for patients with any vision or medical insurance plan, even if vision correction surgery is not covered. During your initial consultation, we can discuss the cost of LASIK and how we can help make the procedure more affordable through discounts, financing, and our unique Best Price Guarantee.

Contact Us Today for a FREE LASIK Consultation

To schedule your LASIK consultation at 20/20 Institute, contact us online or call us today. We welcome patients from Evergreen, Manitou Springs, Castle Rock, and surrounding areas at our four convenient Front Range locations.