How Much Does LASIK Cost?
You’ve probably heard about laser eye surgery, also known as LASIK, but have you ever wondered how much does it cost?
People with vision problems have always wished they could see clearly. Back in the day, they would stick a pair of glasses on their face to see what their friends looked like or read their favorite book. But LASIK eye surgery has changed all that. It is now possible to get vision correction without the difficulty and inconvenience of carrying spectacles around with you.
LASIK eye surgery is a quick, safe way to correct common vision problems. Combining two of the most advanced eye procedures, it is perfect for those who suffer from near- and farsightedness, as well as astigmatism. The U.S Food and Drug Administration’s most recent data suggests such procedures are performed on about 16 million people annually, with a 99% approval rating among patients. Therefore, LASIK surgery has proven to be a life-changing experience in today’s world.
However, some people who suffer from vision problems may not think surgery is a possibility. That is because the cost of LASIK can be expensive, but fortunately there are financing options available. These include cash pay and finance facilities so that you can be sure that your surgery is affordable.
In this post, we will present all of the required information on LASIK surgery and its cost to help you understand it better.
Benefits of LASIK Surgery
Vision Enhancement
LASIK surgery is considered as one of the most effective ways to improve one’s poor eyesight. As mentioned above, 95% of individuals who have undergone eye surgery are satisfied. Not to mention, most LASIK patients have achieved 20/20 vision following the operation without needing to use glasses or contact lenses.
Stitches and Bandages are Not Required
An ophthalmologist generally flaps the cornea during LASIK surgery to get access to the underlying tissue for vision. After that, the surgeon will reposition the corneal flap to ensure that it automatically connects to the eye without the use of stitches or bandages.
Long-lasting Result
You may undergo a three-month stabilization phase immediately following LASIK treatment. The procedure’s effects are expected to remain indefinitely after this time period.
Prescription Eyewear is Not Required
With LASIK surgery, you can completely discard your everyday need for glasses or contact lenses. Patients who have had LASIK surgery can do everything they regularly do, from reading a book to running or swimming, without having to put on their glasses or contact lenses.
Risks of LASIK Surgery
Dry Eyes
For around 6 months after LASIK surgery, there may be a slight decrease in tear production. As your eyes recover, they may feel especially dry. Although an eyedrop is normally advised, if you have extreme dry eyes, you may need to undergo another surgery.
Double Vision
You may experience trouble seeing after LASIK surgery, which normally lasts a few days to a few weeks. Light sensitivity, glare, halos surrounding light, or double vision are all possibilities.
Undercorrection
During the surgery, the laser may remove less tissue from your eye, which will not give you the clear vision you want. Undercorrection is one of the most prominent difficulties among nearsighted persons, requiring another LASIK operation within a year to remove additional tissue.
Overcorrection
Overcorrection, on the other hand, occurs when the surgery removes more tissue from your eye, which may be far more difficult to repair than undercorrection.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is typically caused by uneven tissue removal during surgery, which may demand further surgery.
Corneal Flap Problems
During surgery, removing the corneal flap can result in complications such as infection and excessive tears. This may also cause abnormal growth of your outermost corneal tissue during the healing process.
Regression
Regression occurs when your vision gradually returns to your original prescription; however, this is a less common risk with LASIK surgery.
Changes in Vision
Complications in LASIK surgery can result in vision loss, causing people to see less sharply or clearly, which happens very rarely.
Conditions that Could Increase Risks
Several health conditions could increase the risks associated with LASIK surgery. Your eye surgeon would not recommend laser refractive surgery if you have such conditions like:
- Autoimmune disease
- Weakened immune system caused by medications or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Changes in vision due to medications, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or age
- Inflammation of the cornea, eyelid disorders, eye injuries, and eye diseases such as uveitis, glaucoma, or cataracts
LASIK surgery is also not recommended if you:
- Have a Keratoconus that causes your cornea to be thin and bulge
- Have fairly good vision
- Have severe nearsightedness
- Have large pupils or thin corneas
- Have age-related problems that cause your vision to be blurry
How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost?
LASIK surgery typically costs between $2000 and $3000 per eye. While the cost appears to be high, it is a one-time expense that includes everything from pre-surgery care to post-op examinations, which is less expensive in the long run than continuing expenses on glasses, contact lenses, and other accessories if the operation is not performed. The average cost of LASIK surgery is $2,632 per eye, but this can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon.
Factors Influencing LASIK Eye Surgery Cost
Surgeon
The experience of your surgeon might significantly impact LASIK eye surgery expenses. Because of the high level of expertise they bring to the treatment, most experienced surgeons charge a bit extra.
Necessary Vision Correction
LASIK eye surgery is often more expensive, particularly for persons with really impaired eyesight, and you may wind up spending more than another patient.
Laser Technology
Another factor affecting the LASIK eye surgery cost is the technology used. Surgeons often use the most recent technology, such as Custom LASIK, which is more expensive than earlier technologies. While this may seem concerning, keep in mind that the sort of laser eye surgery recommended by your surgeon is for the best potential outcome.
But before anything, ask for the price breakdown of the LASIK procedure recommended so you know what to expect.
Are there any LASIK Financing Plans Available?
With LASIK surgery costing a few thousand dollars, there are several payment plans available, so you won’t have to pay a large lump sum of money. Some LASIK financing providers offer unique deals, such as lower down payments and monthly payments.
Does Insurance cover LASIK Surgery?
To put it simply, no. Insurance companies see LASI surgery and other eye operations as discretionary procedures. Insurance companies consider LASIK surgery and other eye surgeries to be decision-based procedures. However, there are a few exceptions when your insurance company will fund surgery to fix issues caused by an injury or surgery.
Takeaway
To put things in perspective, LASIK eye surgery is a way to correct vision without glasses or contacts. While the cost of the procedure is not cheap, it can be worth every penny spent on LASIK eye surgery. There’s tons to consider before you decide to get LASIK. There are so many factors that are new, like having another surgery and planning to recover afterwards. However, if you’re determined to have this kind of surgery, there’s no better time than now.
