The Costs Of LASIK Surgery

"What does it cost?" is one of the most frequently asked questions regarding LASIK surgery. There is not one "right" answer, however, as the price can vary based on a number of factors. On the average in the US, most LASIK patients pay about $1800 per eye for the conventional LASIK procedure. Patients that choose one of the newer technologies of Wavefront and IntraLase pay even more. All in all, most LASIK prices range from just under $500 per eye to almost $3000 per eye. With such a wide range in cost, differences certainly exist.

Factors Affecting LASIK Cost

What accounts for the difference in LASIK cost? Many factors affect the cost - the surgeon (pay more for expertise and experience), the equipment (better equipment costs more), the procedure (newer technologies cost more), your vision prescription (greater amount of correction can increase cost), geography (cost can vary from one US region to another), and pricing structure (what is included in the cost and what is not).

New Technology and LASIK Cost

While many people may have hoped that the price of LASIK would go down over time, it in fact has not. The technology of LASIK eye surgery has evolved greatly over the past 10 years, and with increasing and more advanced technology come higher costs. Conventional LASIK is often replaced with custom LASIK (Wavefront) and other types of advanced technologies such as blade-free (IntraLase). Although these new technologies may cost more, they are perfecting the LASIK procedure, and giving many patients excellent vision results.

Conventional LASIK

During a conventional LASIK procedure, a knife called a microkeratome cuts the hinged flap of the corneal tissue from the outer layer of the eye. The cornea flap is then lifted, and the laser is used to reshape the cornea tissue. After the reshaping is done, the flap of cornea tissue is repositioned in the eye and the flap is secured. With conventional LASIK, the procedure is performed similarly with each eye across patients. The routines of this type of procedure can help bring down costs, and can be effective for a lot of patients.

Discount Centers - Conventional LASIK the flap of cornea tissue is repositioned in the eye and the flap is secured.

Wavefront LASIK

With Wavefront technology, the procedure is customized to a patients eye. The differences between conventional and custom LASIK depend on the level of refractive error and the amount of corneal tissue that is reshaped by the laser on the cornea after the flap is cut. Otherwise, the procedure is similar and the flap is still cut with the microkeratome knife. This advanced procedure has been a huge contributor to the perfection of LASIK eye surgery, but can add hundreds of dollars to the price per eye. The additional cost per eye tends to range from $200 to $500.

Blade Free LASIK

Another new technology is the IntraLase procedure. With IntraLase, a laser is used to cut the LASIK flap, not the microkeratome knife. Many patients prefer the all laser, bladeless approach to LASIK surgery, even if it costs more. Many surgeons are able to get excellent results using the microkeratome, but many surgeons prefer the IntraLase system as a way to reduce flap complications in patients, require fewer follow up treatments, and increase the chance of achieving better vision. In regards to cost, it can add from $250 to $500 per eye to cover the cost of the equipment.

LASIK and Discount Centers

Many prospective LASIK patients are often tempted by low advertised prices. But, it is important to be wary of prices that are so much lower than the average. What does the price include? The price may reflect only a portion of the total cost, it may not include other aspects of the procedure such as pre-screening tests or follow-up exams or other hidden costs. Other times, the cost is based on eligibility, and most people do not qualify because their vision prescription requires more extensive correction. The discount centers that advertise less expensive LASIK eye treatments for the most part perform conventional LASIK procedures. They do not usually offer the newer technologies or use the newest equipment.

Fees and LASIK Cost

When discussing cost, there are also other variables that factor into the overall numbers aside from the use of technology and state-of-the-art procedures. There are some simple questions you should also ask your doctor or surgeon. Some of the critical information includes knowing what fees are incorporated, and what is not included, and therefore is an extra fee? What about the fees associated with potential complications? Are they the patient's responsibility? What are the average costs of related medications for post-surgery? Am I going to require post-operative surgeries, and how much do they cost? If the surgery results in less than perfect vision, what costs will be required for new glasses or contacts?

Insurance and LASIK

Also, a big question is - what does my insurance cover? Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover refractive surgery. This fact may lead you to go the most cost effective route for the surgery. But remember that the lower cost procedures may not result in the desired effect, and it depends on your specific vision in determining cost. Also, keep in mind the advancements in technology and determine what route is best for you in considering LASIK.

Financing and LASIK

While no one wants to pay more than necessary, it is not smart to choose a LASIK surgeon based only on the lowest price. Rather than sacrificing quality, if cost is an issue, find the most affordable financing you can. Then, choose a reputable and qualified surgeon and go with the recommended procedure for your specific eyes that will help you achieve the best possible LASIK results.