Is It Worth Fixing Vision with Surgery or Just Wearing Glasses?

If you struggle with blurry vision, you’ve likely thought about whether wearing glasses is the best long-term solution or if surgery is a better choice. Some people stick with glasses their whole lives, while others choose surgical options for a more permanent fix.

Both approaches have their pros and cons, and what works best depends on your lifestyle, budget, and level of comfort with medical procedures. At Albemarle, we help patients weigh their options to make the best decision for their vision needs. Let’s break down what each option offers.

How Do Glasses Work?

Glasses correct vision by changing how light enters the eye, compensating for issues like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. They offer a simple way to improve vision without any medical procedures.

Why Many People Choose Glasses

• Instant clarity – No waiting time, just put them on and see better immediately.

• No medical risks – Unlike surgery, glasses don’t come with complications like infections or side effects.

• Easy to update – If your vision changes, getting a new prescription is simple.

• More affordable upfront – While costs add up over time, glasses don’t require a large initial expense.

• Eye protection – Glasses act as a shield against wind, dust, and blue light from screens.

Why Some Find Glasses Inconvenient

• Frames can break or get lost – Accidents happen, and replacing glasses can be costly.

• Limited peripheral vision – Unlike contacts or surgery, glasses don’t correct vision outside the lens area.

• Not ideal for sports or active lifestyles – They can slip, fog up, or interfere with physical activities.

Options for Non Surgical Vision Correction

For those who don’t want surgery but dislike glasses, contact lenses are a popular alternative. Contacts provide a natural field of vision without frames blocking your view. However, they require careful handling to avoid infections or irritation.

Other non-surgical vision correction options include orthokeratology (Ortho-K), where special lenses reshape the cornea overnight, temporarily improving vision during the day. Though effective, this method isn’t a permanent solution.

How Does Vision Surgery Work?

Vision correction surgery reshapes the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses. There are several types of procedures, and not all are suitable for every person.

Advantages of Laser Eye Surgery

• Long-term vision improvement – Many people experience years or even decades of clearer vision.

• More convenience – No need to constantly adjust, clean, or replace glasses or contacts.

• Improved peripheral vision – Unlike glasses, surgery corrects vision across the entire field of sight.

• Ideal for active lifestyles – No worries about foggy lenses or frames slipping during activities.

Types of Vision Correction Surgery

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)

• A laser reshapes the cornea to correct vision.

• Quick recovery, with most people seeing better within 24 hours.

• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

• Removes the outer layer of the cornea instead of creating a flap.

• Longer recovery time but an option for those with thinner corneas.

• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

• Uses a laser to correct nearsightedness with a small incision.

• Less invasive, reducing the chance of dry eyes compared to LASIK.

• ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

• A permanent lens is inserted into the eye to correct vision.

• Best for people who aren’t good candidates for laser surgery.

LASIK Eye Surgery and Other Procedures Risks

While surgery offers many benefits, it’s not without risks.

• Not everyone qualifies – Factors like age, cornea thickness, and eye conditions can make some people ineligible.

• Side effects – Some patients experience dry eyes, night glare, halos, or undercorrection/overcorrection.

• Healing time varies – While LASIK recovery is quick, other procedures like PRK take longer.

• Cost considerations – Surgery requires a significant upfront payment, usually not covered by insurance.

Despite these risks, many patients find that the benefits of laser eye surgery outweigh the downsides, especially if they qualify as good candidates.

Cost Comparison: Glasses vs. Surgery

Some people avoid surgery because of the high cost, but glasses and contacts come with long-term expenses.

Glasses Costs:

• Basic frames and lenses: $100–$300

• Designer frames or specialty lenses: $400+

• Replacements over time: $1,500–$3,000 over 10–20 years

Surgery Costs:

• LASIK/PRK: $2,000–$4,000 per eye

• ICL: $4,000–$6,000 per eye

Over a lifetime, the cost of glasses or contacts can match or exceed the price of surgery. This might also get affected because of the brand, style and type of glasses and contact choices you make.

Who Should Stick with Glasses?

• People who are comfortable wearing glasses and don’t mind the maintenance.

• Those with medical conditions that make surgery risky, such as severe dry eyes.

• Individuals who don’t want to spend thousands upfront on a procedure.

• People with frequent prescription changes, making permanent correction impractical.

Who Might Benefit from Surgery?

• People with stable vision prescriptions looking for a long-term solution.

• Those with active lifestyles who find glasses inconvenient.

• Individuals who are tired of replacing glasses or dealing with contact lenses.

• Anyone who qualifies medically and is comfortable with the risks of LASIK eye surgery.

What About Contact Lenses?

For those not ready for surgery but who dislike glasses, contact lenses offer a middle ground. They provide clearer peripheral vision but require daily cleaning and handling.

Annual costs for contacts range from $200–$700, depending on the type used. Over decades, this can add up to a price similar to surgery.

Final Thoughts: Which Option is Right for You?

There’s no universal answer. Glasses are simple, safe, and budget-friendly, while surgery provides long-term freedom from corrective lenses.

If you’re happy with glasses and don’t mind the upkeep, there’s no urgent need for surgery. But if you’re looking for a permanent change, laser vision correction may be worth considering.

At Albemarle, our specialists help patients decide which vision correction method best fits their needs. If you’re interested in learning more about your options, schedule a consultation to find out if surgery is right for you.

Laura Lancaster is a marketing manager at Tull Financial Group. She currently works with a certified financial group, where she helps individuals navigate the complexities of financial planning.