Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery
The cost of LASIK eye surgery can vary widely, depending on where you have the surgery, but also on the level of experience the surgeon has, the technology he uses, and the degree of your refractive error (that is, the amount of correction needed). Generally, the cost of LASIK eye surgery can range from $499 to $2500 per eye.
As mentioned, geographical location can affect the cost of Lasik eye surgery. You will likely find higher prices in larger metropolitan areas, where doctors need to stay on the forefront of their practice by using the best laser technology, thereby needing to charge more to offset their costs.
Whatever you pay, the cost of LASIK eye surgery may or may not include any of the following:
• Royalties due to laser companies
• Purchase and maintenance of surgical equipment
• Cost of sterile materials like surgical gowns, masks, and other sterile materials
• Pre- and post-op medications such as anesthesia, eye drops, and pain relievers
• Advertising fees
• Surgical and office staff salaries
• Rent for clinic facilities
• Follow-up appointments
• Surgical “touch ups,” if required
What increases the cost of LASIK eye surgery?
The type of laser and technology used can dramatically affect the price of the procedure. LASIK with IntraLase uses a laser instead of a blade to create the corneal flap can cost upwards of $250 to $500 more per eye than other methods. Custom LASIK, which uses wavefront technology to make a map of the patient’s cornea, can add between $200 and $500 more per eye to the bottom line.
Oftentimes, you’ll find a discount laser eye surgery center offering a significantly reduced price from the norm. These should be used with extreme caution, as sometimes they utilize less-than-honorable methods such as adding a number of hidden fees on to the final bill, or upon further investigation one discovers that the discounted rate only applies to a very small percentage of the population who require only a very minimal amount of LASIK correction. Most frighteningly, some surgeons who charge less for LASIK do so because they do not have the high level of experience or technology that the more expensive surgeons may have.
All of that being said, a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting a better surgeon. To ensure you are getting the very best surgeon possible, do your research. When choosing a doctor to perform the procedure on you, cost should be one consideration, but it should not be the sole deciding factor. Be sure you are trusting your eyes to the very best doctor you can find.