LASIK Eye Surgery: Pros, Cons, and Cost in 2023

The ability to see clearly without wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses is a blessing. However, people who cannot see clearly or have blurred vision are suggested to wear glasses or contact lenses to help get better vision. LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a breakthrough surgical treatment that has helped millions of individuals get improved vision without any assistant visual aid.

Gone are the days when the only solution to farsightedness and nearsightedness was contact lenses or eyesight glasses, and the person had to live with these for the rest of his life. LASIK surgery has worked tremendously by significantly reducing the dependency on eyeglasses. No, the word ‘surgery’ needs not bother you, as LASIK is a safe, risk-free, and painless treatment for better vision.

LASIK Cost in Different States

For an idea, we have made a list of LASIK eye treatment costs in differentstates and cities. Check below to see how much this surgery cost on average.

How is LASIK Performed?

An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea, which helps the light to focus on the retina, allowing the eye to produce clear vision. During the procedure, a tool called a microkeratome is used to cut a minor cornea flap without harming any nearby tissue. The flap is slightly held back, and the surgeon performs the laser job. By using an excimer laser, the middle tissue of the cornea is removed to reshape the cornea. The procedure comprises no more than 20 to 30 minutes with zero to lesser pain.

LASIK surgery effectively treats Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (Farsightedness), and Astigmatism (irregular shape of the cornea). After doing a thorough examination of your eyes, your doctor will determine if you are suitable for LASIK treatment or not. When considering LASIK eye surgery, weighing the benefits, risks, and expectations is important. Although LASIK surgery has several benefits over eyeglasses and lenses, you should know that not everybody is suitable for LASIK. People who have a chronic illness, autoimmune disorder, eye disease, or eye injury are, most of the time, not suitable to undergo LASIK. Your doctor will determine your eligibility criteria after looking into your health and lifestyle credentials.

Is LASIK an Expensive Treatment?

Although LASIK surgery does not take much time to perform, it is quite an expensive surgical treatment. The surgery cost depends upon many factors, such as your location, doctor’s experience, technology, etc. The doctors who offer LASIK treatment at cheap rates are either not using the latest technology or are only offering treatment with minimum corrections.

We have made a breakdown of the factors on which the LASIK surgery cost depends:

Location

It is evident that medical facilities in developed cities or areas are cheaper than those in underdeveloped areas. Following this common notion, if the clinic you have chosen for your LASIK treatment is in a posh area, the surgical treatments will cost more.

Equipment

The state-of-the-art visual aids and techniques cost more than conventional methods. If the clinic or hospital is equipped with the latest tools and technologies, be ready to see the high price tag of LASIK surgery. However, you need not compromise on the quality of the tools as you should not take risks with your LASIK eye treatment.

Doctor’s experience

While choosing an ophthalmologist or optometrist for your eye consultation, always look into his work profile and experience. The more experienced surgeons charge high for the LASIK treatment, while non-experienced doctors might offer these services for a lesser price. Also, some experienced doctors may offer free consultations with a pricey surgical procedure. Look into the offer and then decide whether you can pay for it.

Post-surgery Follow-Up

Another expense added to your entire surgery billing is the appointments and follow-up sessions after LASIK. You have to pay a visit to your doctor after two to three days of the treatment, which is mandatory for the eyes’ inspection post-surgery.

Medications

After the surgery, you will be recommended certain medications to speed up the healing process. The expenses of these medications add up to your entire bill for the surgery.

LASIK surgery is expensive due to the advanced laser technology that accurately adjusts the cornea. The Intralase femtosecond laser used in LASIK surgery is an advanced type of laser technology that costs higher. However, you will be surprised to know that LASIK eye treatment is less expensive today than a decade ago. The standard LASIK treatment for an eye costs between $1500 to $3000, while  $1600 per eye is the average cost of LASIK.  Individuals who are not eligible for LASIK eye surgery due to serious eyesight complications are referred to other highly pricey eye treatments.

Does Insurance Cover LASIK?

Most insurance providers do not cover the expenses of LASIK as it is considered an elective surgery. Some of the insurance providers offer partial coverage of the surgery and not the entire procedure. Contact lenses and glasses are typically covered by health insurance, but vision insurance policies aid in other eye care expenses. Compared to health plans, vision plans are more likely to offer eye insurance for surgery that covers a considerable percentage of the cost of laser vision correction. Many companies offer health savings accounts under which the medical expenses of treatments such as LASIK are covered.

Is LASIK Worth Paying a Huge Amount?

Soon after you get your LASIK session, you will eliminate the dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Almost everyone who undergoes the surgical process of LASIK is satisfied with the treatment, results as LASIK has a high success rate. While other eye treatments can be budget-breaking, LASIK is comparatively less expensive and a permanent solution for those who are suffering from poor vision. Remember that not everyone is a candidate for every surgical operation, and the doctor should explain how your test results help them develop the best eye treatment plan for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is custom LASIK?

People who have certain eye complications, such as irregularly shaped eyes or strong prescription of lenses or eyeglasses, usually undergo custom LASIK.

What is the average cost of custom LASIK?

The average cost of custom LASIK is almost $2100 per eye.

Name other eye surgery treatments which are alternatives to LASIK.

LASEK, Photoreactive Keratectomy, and Small Incision Lenticular Extraction are some of the popular alternatives to LASIK.

Are there any discounts offered for LASIK surgery?

Although LASIK is an expensive laser eye treatment, various clinics offer promotional discounts for the treatment. However, there is no guarantee that the discounted procedure will be as effective as the undiscounted treatment.

Is LASIK a permanent solution?

Yes, LASIK is a permanent solution for those who are suffering from vision complications. The results are long-lasting, and the process is risk-free and painless.

Why is LASIK an expensive treatment?

In general, all surgical treatments are quite expensive, and in the case of LASIK, since advanced laser technology, the total cost increased. The follow-up appointments and medications also add up to the total bill.

John Davis

John Davis is a passionate content writer with a knack for crafting engaging narratives across various subjects. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, John brings ideas to life through the power of words. His dedication to delivering high-quality and informative content has made him a trusted voice in the digital realm. When he’s not at his desk, you’ll find John exploring new hobbies and seeking inspiration in the world around him.