The demand for refractive surgery has seen a steady rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increasing number of patients opting for LASIK surgeries. Since the Pacific Vision Institute reopened on the 2nd of June, the number of LASIK surgeries performed from June to August increased by a stunning 42% compared to the same period in 2019.
Dr. Faktorovich says, “We’ve always been interested in the psychology behind patients pursuing refractive surgery. The most common reason patients give us now is, ‘I’m at home. I have time to do it.” Over the past three months, most patients opting for LASIK say they’re pursuing the treatment because the work-from-home culture has given them a lot more flexibility.
Since patients no longer travel for work or leisure, they have a lot more time on an average day. As such, they can use that time to pursue procedures and schedule appointments they may have always wanted but never found time for within a packed schedule. While the pandemic is certainly a convenient time for procedures, the LASIK surgery promises results and benefits that will last a lifetime.
Below, we discuss the value of LASIK surgery and the reasons for its sudden boom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why demand for LASIK surgery has shot up
As the previous sections have shown, LASIK surgery is an incredibly effective and valuable treatment because its benefits last a lifetime. Sure, the demand for a LASIK surgery may have seen a sudden rise under the pandemic, but its benefits will last well beyond the pandemic. Below, we discuss the primary reasons for the increased demand for LASIK surgery.
- Flexible Schedules
The primary reason for the increased demand for LASIK surgery is the work-from-home culture. Since patients aren’t traveling to and from work as much or engaging in social activities, they have a lot more time to focus on medical procedures. If you’ve been pushing off LASIK surgeries due to the lack of time, now’s your chance.
- Foggy Glasses
Eyeglass wearers are frustrated that their glasses constantly get foggy when they’re wearing masks. Even though the fogginess of eyeglasses may seem like nothing more than a mild inconvenience to some, the consistency of the inconvenience can reach a breaking point. This is especially true if you’re driving, operating heavy machinery, or performing other such tasks.
- Disposable Income
Most avenues of discretionary spending, such as shopping, fine dining, movie theatres, concerts, traveling, etc., have come to a standstill in recent months. As such, patients have a lot more disposable income to spend on medical procedures. And unlike dining out, clothes, and travel, a LASIK surgery provides lifelong results.
- Long-Term Value
Besides being convenient and improving your quality of life, LASIK surgeries also offer greater long-term value. The procedure essentially pays for itself in the long run because you no longer spend on eye checkups, eyeglasses, lenses, contacts, designer frames, etc. And if you’ve got additional disposable income, investing in your health will eventually pay off.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is a procedure that corrects refractive errors in patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The surgery corrects the shape of the cornea (the clear lens on the front of the eye) to direct light clearly to the retina in the back of the eye. The surgery addresses the underlying root cause of blurry vision, allowing you to lead a life without worrying about contact lenses or glasses.
What are the benefits of LASIK surgery?
- Corrects blurry vision problems
- Gives you 20/20 vision or better
- Causes no pain or discomfort
- Provides immediate improvements in vision
- No extended recovery period
- No bandages, stitches, or incisions
- Eliminates or reduces dependence on eyeglasses
- Pays for itself in the long run
If you’ve come to the same conclusion as so many others, please contact Pacific Vision Institute to discuss your LASIK surgery options.