Is Vision Correction Surgery Still Financially Worth It in Your 40s?

If you’re in your 40s and finding yourself constantly reaching for reading glasses, dealing with dry contacts, or juggling multiple pairs of eyewear, you’ve probably wondered: “Is it too late for vision correction surgery to make financial sense?”

The short answer? Not at all. Even if presbyopia (that age-related near vision thing we all deal with eventually) has made an appearance, the numbers might surprise you—and the lifestyle benefits are just the bonus.

Let’s Talk About What You’re Actually Spending

Here’s something most people don’t realize: those “small” eyewear expenses add up to a lot more than you think.

Your likely annual eyewear budget:

• Prescription glasses: $200–$400
• Prescription sunglasses: $150–$300
• Contact lenses: $250–$600
• Solutions and supplies: $100–$150
• Eye exams and updates: $100–$200

Total? Somewhere between $800 and $1,650 every single year.

Now stretch that out over the next 10 years, and you’re looking at $8,000 to $16,500. Over 20 years? We’re talking $16,000 to $33,000. That’s a lot of money—not to mention the hassle of keeping track of it all.

“But I Was Told I’m Not a LASIK Candidate…”

Maybe you looked into LASIK years ago and got a “no.” Good news: technology has come a long way, especially for people in their 40s and beyond. You have more options now than ever before.

Depending on your eyes and lifestyle, you might be a great candidate for:

• Monovision LASIK or PRK – Great if you want to reduce or ditch reading glasses
• SMILE – Perfect if you have dry eyes or live an active lifestyle (plus, it’s flapless)
• Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) – Ideal if presbyopia or early cataracts are in the picture; corrects both distance and near vision
• Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs) – A solid choice if you have a high prescription or thin corneas

So Does the Math Actually Work Out?

Most vision correction procedures for both eyes run between $5,000 and $6,000. That might sound like a lot upfront, but you typically break even in about 5 to 7 years—sometimes sooner if you’re currently spending on both glasses and contacts.

And here’s the kicker: Over 20 years, you could save anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.

But honestly? The real value isn’t just in the dollars. It’s waking up and actually being able to see the clock. It’s jumping in the pool without worrying about contacts. It’s not dealing with foggy glasses every time you walk inside from the cold. It’s freedom.

Making It Work for Your Budget

We get it—paying for surgery upfront can feel like a big ask. That’s why there are ways to make it more manageable:

Use your HSA or FSA. Most vision correction procedures qualify, so you can pay with pre-tax dollars and stretch your benefits further.

Finance it. Many practices (including ours) work with CareCredit, which offers 0% or low-interest payment plans. In a lot of cases, your monthly payment ends up being less than what you’re already spending on contacts, glasses, and solutions combined.

Want to See What You’re Really Paying for Eyewear?

Most people have no idea how much they’re actually spending on glasses and contacts over time. We built a calculator to help you figure it out. Plug in your numbers and see what your eyewear is really costing you. Calculate your eyewear costs here

Your Questions, Answered

Will I still need reading glasses after LASIK?
It depends. Presbyopia is a natural part of aging, so many people in their 40s opt for monovision LASIK or PRK—or consider RLE—to reduce or eliminate the need for readers altogether.

Is it safe to have surgery in my 40s?
Absolutely. Procedures like LASIK, SMILE, PRK, ICL, and RLE all have strong safety records. The key is getting a thorough exam to figure out which option is right for your eyes and lifestyle.

How long do the results last?
Distance correction from corneal procedures is typically long-lasting. Presbyopia will continue to progress naturally with age, which is why monovision or RLE can be especially appealing in this stage of life. Occasionally, a minor enhancement might be needed down the road.

What if I develop cataracts later?
You can absolutely still have cataract surgery after LASIK, SMILE, or PRK. And if early lens changes are already happening now, RLE might actually address both your refractive error and near vision in one procedure.

Does insurance cover it?
Most plans consider vision correction elective, so probably not. But HSA/FSA funds and CareCredit financing usually apply—and again, your monthly cost often ends up being lower than what you’re already spending on eyewear.

Bottom line? If you’re in your 40s and wondering whether vision correction still makes financial sense, the answer is often yes. The technology has evolved, the options have expanded, and when you run the numbers, the investment—both financial and lifestyle—might make more sense than you think.