What Is The Average Cost of LASIK?

On average, LASIK can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per eye. LASIK prices typically have a set minimum – it’s best to consult your doctor about their rates and what financing options might be available to you.

What Contributes To The Cost of LASIK?

There are several different contributing factors to the cost of LASIK including the cost of labor + equipment needed. Your surgeon may rent the equipment rather than own it outright. Post-op checkups, procedures, and medication also contribute to the cost. Finally, there are a couple of different LASIK procedures an eye care professional might recommend to you. The different procedures could vary in cost.

Types of LASIK Surgery Available

SMILE Laser Vision Correction

SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. A laser is used to create a thin disc of tissue in your eye within your cornea. This disc of tissue is then removed through a small incision in your cornea, which then reshapes it to improve vision focus.

Custom LASIK

This type of procedure is customized to the patient’s specific visual and anatomical measurements and uses wavefront-guided, wavefront-optimized, or topographic eye surface mapping. This is a pre-operative treatment that maps out the eye area and composition and gathers this information to help specialists design your custom LASIK procedure.

Blade-free, All-laser LASIK

Some LASIK procedures use equipment with a blade, like a microkeratome. A microkeratome is a piece of equipment with an oscillating blade. Deciding the equipment used is a determining factor in cost. Generally, an all-laser procedure reduces complications and can improve visual results drastically compared to using alternative equipment.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This procedure is largely similar to general LASIK or SMILE procedures, however the primary difference being that the recovery time from PRK treatment is the longest out of all three procedures.

What Financing Options Do I Have For LASIK?

Realistically, there are very few people who can pay for LASIK out of pocket. Here are a few options that an eye care specialist might recommend to you, depending on what their practice accepts.

Vision Insurance Plans

Check with your surgeon to see if they accept insurance for LASIK treatment. Typically, insurance does not cover LASIK eye surgery due to it being an elective surgery. Your eye care specialist though may have more information about using insurance to cover the cost of LASIK.

FSA or HSA Employee Benefits

Your employer may offer you a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) in your employee benefits. These accounts allow you to save pre-tax funds throughout the year to be used for medical expenses. Check your employee benefits to see what your employer offers!

Payment Plans

Your eye doctor might be able to offer you a monthly payment plan. They may also offer payment plans through third party financial institutions, such as CareCredit. When you go to discuss LASIK procedures, discuss what payment plan options your doctor may provide.