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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Eyewear Sales Soar Despite LASIK
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Photo Credit: Dawn Endico
All that bad news about LASIK complaints could not have come at a better time. Now, many folks who were undecided about laser refractive surgery may simply decide to invest in a new pair of stylish eyeglasses. I hope they don't mind waiting in line when they get to the optical shop. It appears that they'll be joining a large number of LASIK patients choosing frames.
Hey, wait a minute! I thought they said LASIK would get people out of their eyeglasses?!?

Yep, that was the prediction. Some industry analysts went so far as to forecast doom for eyeglass and contact lens manufacturers. Surprise! Eyewear sales are bigger than ever.

But, successful LASIK eliminates the refractive error, right?!?

Get ready for this: more and more consumers are paying top dollar for high style frames bearing no-correction lenses. These folks are paying to look good, not to see well.

Photo Credit: Morula
Eyewear marketers report explosive growth in sales of no-correction spectacles. People once again like the look of eyeglasses and the image it communicates. That's funny. Prior to the availability of refractive surgery the only message eyeglasses communicated was, "I can't see squat without these stupid glasses!"

In some boutiques sales of inexpensive no-correction spectacles outsell sunglasses. Choosing the right color frame can really enhance the appearance of whatever outfit you're wearing and really make you stand out...they don't call them frames for nothing!

Other people simply like the visage of authority and intelligence that goes with wearing glasses. Next time you are at the supermarket checkout peek at a few of the gossip magazines. Meryl Streep, Tina Fey, and Johnny Depp all share that look and (as far as I know) they each could easily afford LASIK, right?

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 12:10 PM

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