Key Takeaways
Often, we are asked by patients if there is a better time of the year or season to get LASIK or other types of laser vision correction procedures such as PRK or Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery. From a medical perspective, no certain time is preferred or ideal. At San Antonio Eye Specialists, Dr. Iskander has invested in the most sophisticated temperature and humidity monitoring control system that ensures the seasons don’t affect surgical outcomes. This amazing German engineered environment technology is called a Liebert system, which has separate humidity and temperature controls, allowing for superb visual results to produce the exact treatment planned with negligible variation in both temperature and humidity.
From a social and financial perspective, there are ideal times:
Let’s start with financial advantages. Many patients will use their tax refund towards their vision correction procedure. Often times, patients will also use their Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) to use for elective procedures such as LASIK. Flex spending allows patients to use tax deferred dollars towards select elective medical and dental procedures. The 2020 FSA contribution cap rose to $2,750, up from the 2019 limit of $2,700. Most larger companies participate in flex spending, sometimes called a cafeteria plan. Open enrollment is typically during the fall season and funds are available January 1st. Because of flex spending and tax refund season, most LASIK practices are typically busier than normal from January through March. Also, since flex spending dollars must be used before the end of the year (use it or lose it) many patients will consider LASIK before the end of the year so their flex dollars are not lost.
Summer is a popular time for Laser Vision Correction:
San Antonio is known for its warm summers. Many of us enjoy being outdoors or are physically active during the summer months. Swimming is one such popular activity that is often limited due to glasses or contacts. Some of us travel during the summer months so we can pack lighter without worrying about glasses and contacts accompanying our journey. Summer also signals school being out of session, so it’s a great time for teachers and students to have LASIK.
COVID-19 trends seen:
Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can spread through the eyes so limiting hands around the face is encouraged. In general, we recommend refraining from using contact lenses as much as possible. On the other hand, those who wear glasses plus a mask struggle with foggy glasses which impairs the clarity of vision. Hence, more people are motivated to experience hassle-free vision.
If laser vision correction has been on your mind, there’s never been a better time to pursue it. All patients meet Dr. Iskander, our fellowship-trained refractive surgeon for over 20 years, at a complimentary laser vision correction consultation.
I look forward to meeting you at your consultation.
