The weak economy is forcing consumers to cut back on extra spending, including laser eye surgery. Industry analysts are predicting a sharp decline in LASIK eye surgeries during 2008, as the procedure is not typically covered by health insurance. Depending on the type of procedure being performed, LASIK usually costs between $2,000 to $5,000. As people are becoming more conservative with their finances, elective surgeries such as LASIK will probably be postponed.

Not only is the procedure expensive, it is also considered by many to be risky. LASIK will almost certainly reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, but there is no guarantee that you will have perfect vision without glasses. While perfect vision is the optimal outcome of LASIK, whether or not you receive it depends on your individual experience.

More on LASIK Eye Surgery:

• Vision After LASIK
• Cost of LASIK
• LASIK Risks...Too Many?

_{Source: Barnaby J. Feder, The New York Times. As Economy Slows, So Do Laser Eye Surgeries. New York Times, 24 Apr 2008.}