Lasik eye surgery, also known as laser eye surgery, is a procedure that utilizes a specialized laser to correct eyesight, by being worked under the cornel flap to change the shape of the cornea. It works on patients with either myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. The surgery is aimed at reducing the refractive error, correcting vision and reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses.
Lasik eye surgery cost.
The cost of a Lasik surgery varies from as little as $299 to as much as $5000. The national average however is $2000, though you will find that many clinics will chose to put up their price at $2500. It is important to note that this prices are set for a single eye, thus if you need the cost for two eyes you should double up the cost. This setting is due to the fact that only one eye can be affected with the other being in perfect function.
The reason for this variation can be attributed to a couple of factors.
- Level of advancement in technology used: a Lasik surgery conducted with the traditional standard laser will be cheaper as compared to when the customized laser is used.
- Surgical experience: surgeons with more years of experience will tend to be more costly as they are selling their experience.
- Geography: in states where the standards of living are higher, the Lasik cost will consequently be more costly.
- The extent of eye damage/ difficulty of surgical procedure: if your eyesight is adversely affected, a more advanced level of surgical treatment is needed, which will inevitably cost you more.
- Package provided: some clinics will include additional services like pre and post operative check-ups. An all inclusive package is bound to be more costly.
Insurance
The Lasik eye surgery cost is normally not covered as it is not termed as a necessity, with the availability of glasses and contact lenses. Your insurance company can however help you get a discounted price.
It is important to note that in some careers like the military and athletics, the insurance could cover for your surgery. LASIK eye surgery is a permanent eye solution, thus it would be worthwhile to weigh its cost against a life time of glasses, eye solutions and contact lenses. Additionally, be sure to ask if the cost presented will cover additional services, or will there be any extra costs.
