LASIK Cost differs widely from one provider to another and depends on many factors. LASIK eye surgery cost may or may not include any of the following factors:
- Royalties owed to laser manufacturers.
- Purchase and maintenance of surgical and technical equipment.
- Surgical gowns, gloves, masks, and other sterile and disposable materials.
- Medications used before, during, and after surgery, including anesthesia, eye drops, and oral pain medications.
- Rent for surgical and office facilities.
- Surgical and office staff salaries.
- Advertising fees.
- Pre- and post-operative evaluations for up to one year after surgery.
- Post-surgical enhancement, if needed.
Since many of these LASIK eye surgery Cost quotes are variable according to office location, the technology employed, and other factors specific to each surgeon, it is important for prospective patients to fully research what they are paying for when they have LASIK laser eye surgery. Be sure to ask surgeons to clearly outline what is and what is not included in their LASIK Cost before agreeing to any payment plans or methods.
Another cause for variations in LASIK eye surgery Cost is the type of laser and technology used. Usually, LASIK costs between $2,000 to $5,000. Various laser centers will differ in cost, but not quite as much as the public thinks. Many of the lower fees quoted are simply bait and switch techniques, or they may be using an older, outdated laser.
Keep in mind that the LASIK surgeon is the most important factor in your surgery outcome. (Your choice of surgeon should not be based on cost.) Experienced eye surgeons well-known in the LASIK community will generally be more expensive than lesser-known surgeons. Furthermore, some surgeons may charge less for LASIK because they do not have the experience or technology that other, more expensive surgeons may possess. On the other hand, paying a higher price does not necessarily guarantee that you will get the best LASIK surgeon. To ensure that you find a skilled LASIK surgeon to perform your surgery, spend ample time researching the credentials of the eye surgeons.
Many experts recommend avoiding discount laser eye surgery centers with aggressive advertising campaigns. Such centers often employ bait-and-switch tactics by bringing customers in with the promise of a low LASIK eye surgery price, then tagging numerous added fees onto the final cost of the surgery. Some surgeons advertise a low price, but patients come to realize this price applies only to patients who need very minimal corrections, and more extensive corrections boost the cost of LASIK eye surgery. Furthermore, some surgeons may charge less for LASIK because they do not have the experience or technology that other, more expensive surgeons may possess.
Although most insurance companies consider LASIK to be an elective treatment and do not cover the procedure, many surgeons offer no-interest financing to help with the cost. LASIK financing is sometimes available if you can’t afford to make the full price up front. Financing will allow you to break the total cost into smaller monthly payments according to your personal budget.