What are the Costs of LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is an excellent option if you want to take care of your eyes and improve your vision without contact lenses or glasses. Many people decide to try LASIK and are happy with the results. However, before you choose to go find a doctor who can perform this type of laser eye surgery on you, it is a good idea to know more about what to expect as far as expenses. 

The costs for laser eye surgery tend to vary depending on a number of factors, such as your specific eye conditions, whether you decide to do surgery on one eye or both, and even your location or the doctor you choose to do the surgery. Let’s take a closer look at some of the typical costs of LASIK eye surgery so you can decide if this is right for you. 

How Much Does It Cost to Get LASIK Eye Surgery?

When you consider LASIK eye surgery, you can likely expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,000 to $3,000, although this range includes a wide variety of different factors. This price can be steep but provides the peace of mind and benefit that comes with improved vision. If you shop around before making a final decision about a health provider, you will find that some doctors provide a discount if you do both eyes together.  

The costs of LASIK eye surgery includes the surgery itself as well as all necessary pre- and post-operative cases, including the follow-up procedure if you need to fine-tune some of the results down the road. Most patients do not need this extra attention, but it is an excellent precaution to have in case the initial procedure didn’t quite correct the original ailment. 

As you review the pricing for LASIK eye surgery, make sure that the laser vision center you choose shows you all the services included in your costs. This can help you compare the different services and see how much the total cost of the procedure will be. 

What Factors Contribute to the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery costs can vary from one provider to another and can depend on several factors, the most common of which include how much vision correction you need, the technology the surgeon decides to use during the surgery, and the experience of the surgeon too.

Other factors to consider include:

The Required Amount of Vision Correction

You will often pay more to get the LASIK done if you have really poor vision or some specialized issues with the eyes. The surgeon will often take a look at your current prescription to help determine the exact amount you will pay to get the surgery done.

Laser Technology

The technology the surgeon decides to use can sometimes add or subtract from the cost of your eye surgery; custom LASIK is offered in some areas and will cost more than some of the older technology. Your preference for the technology used can increase the cost of the surgery as well, so always ask for a breakdown of the costs so you know how much you will spend and can get a good estimate between the different technologies if they are offered. 

The Surgeon’s Skill Level

The surgery’s cost can be influenced by the surgeon’s expertise you choose to work with. The more experience the surgeon has, the more they can charge because they bring more expertise to the process and, theoretically, a higher degree of success.

The Location 

There are specific locations where the cost of laser eye surgery will be higher than others. Comparing these and choosing a less expensive clinic can help you save money. 

Your Choice of One Eye or Both 

Some will provide a discount if you get both eyes done simultaneously, saving visits and making it easier to have it done for less money. It never hurts to ask in advance since it can save you a lot of money if you find a deal like this.

Should I Go for the Lowest Price for LASIK Surgery?

While it may be tempting to go and find the lowest price possible for LASIK eye surgery, there are sometimes better solutions. You can compare several eye laser clinics for a reasonable price, but beware of clinics offering extremely low costs as these often come with additional fees that are tacked on at the end, a surgeon with little to no experience doing the procedure, or technology not up to the right standards.

It is not worth risking the health of your eyes and vision to save a little money, so carefully evaluate anything that seems too good to be true and make a solid choice with great potential for success. 

Asking About Costs for LASIK Surgery

Before you get your eye surgery done, you will need to attend a consultation with a Minneapolis optometrist or one closer to your local area. This is a great time for the surgeon to take a look at your eyes and for you to ask questions about the procedure to see whether it is right for you. To ensure that you make an informed decision about the LASIK surgery, ask some of the following questions. 

• What services are included in the cost of surgery?
• Do you offer more than one kind of LASIK technology, and if so, which types?
• Is this quote for just one eye or for both eyes?
• How many post-op visits will be included in the cost?
• Will any of the prescription medications necessary be included in the costs?
• If I need temporary contact lenses or eyeglasses, how much do those cost?
• Can I get a written and itemized quote to have on hand?
• Do you provide patient testimonials or references?

Your consultation is one of the best times to ask all your questions about the surgeon, including their fees and what services they provide to you. This helps you know exactly what you get for the money before the surgery. 

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of benefits to getting LASIK eye surgery done. But only some patients worry about the costs and whether it is something they can afford. Asking about the costs before you go to the appointment and comparing more than one can make all the difference.