It seems like yesterday that Gen-Xers were the young ones. California Raisins were all the rage, and twenty-somethings were abuzz over "Jurassic Park". Today, young people probably wouldn't even recognize those phrases. Culture has changed, and along with it our methods of correcting vision has also evolved.
The Young and the Restless
In today's Information Age, most Millennials, also called "Connecteds", know that LASIK eye surgery is their best bet for long-term vision correction. When refractive surgery first arrived on the scene, it was a brave soul who went "under the laser" and a sense of adventure and intrigue accompanied it. But today's twenty-something has witnessed the benefits directly in their parents and professors. It's painless, effective, takes just a few minutes, and will pay for itself in less than 10 years of tossing the glasses and contact lenses. No wonder 63 percent of people getting LASIK in 2012 & 2013 were between the ages of 18 and 34.
Recipe For a Trend
The main detail that stops a Millennial from moving forward with refractive surgery is cash. A good indication of their concern is the top trending hashtag on twitter regarding LASIK eye surgery today: #LASIKcost. The discussion is ongoing among young people, and it's in a forum (social media) that didn't exist 20 years ago. There's a lot of misinformation out there, and young adults assume all medical procedures are pricey.
Millennials typically use research options, and tend to get over financial fears quickly once they learn that LASIK can actually save them money in the long run. Research shows that price should not be the determining factor in choosing a provider for LASIK surgery. Many clinics offer financing options that make the best possible clinic easily affordable. Millennials are also more confident in their financial future than their parents were at the same age. Debt is a tool to them, not a cloud over their heads. Investing is a daily decision for Generation Y, and every generation agrees that eyesight is a worthwhile investment with a high return.
Couple the financial values of today's young adult with the common characteristics found in a Millennial - decisiveness, resourcefulness, strong critical thinking - and you have yourself a trend.
All Eyes
Rebekah Shaffer, 32, says LASIK is a great investment. "I was in and out in less than an hour. The procedure was painless and immediately after, I could read the clock across the room." When asked what she likes about her new lifestyle, she gushed. "My vision is now 20/16. I love that I can go swimming with my kids and not have to worry about losing my contacts. I am SOOO glad that I had the surgery done and have never looked back!"
Shaffer brings up a good point. Not only are glasses and contacts a lot of work and risk, they can limit a milennial's ability to keep up with friends and family. One of the biggest motivators for young people today is the desire to be unencumbered.
Since the average age of new contact lens wearers is between 11 and 13, that means contacts-wearing Millennials are likely beginning to experience common problems with contacts for the first time. Dry eye, GPC, tearing, and even allergies can develop after a user has been wearing contacts successfully for years.
It's imperative to have an established relationship with your surgeon before needing LASIK eye surgery, and Woodhams Eye Clinic is here to help. If there are Millennials in your life, send them this article as a resource.
Would you like to talk to someone here at Woodhams about LASIK? Enter your information below and one of our patient care advocates will reach out to you or you can call us at 770-394-4000.
