When you search online for information about LASIK surgery, you’ll find plenty of horror stories about how much it costs. Most are legitimate and accurate reflections of the price tags for this type of laser eye surgery. Many people are surprised by how much it costs, and they almost all want to know the same thing: Why does LASIK cost so much? The answer is that it costs as much as it does because it’s a complex and sophisticated procedure that involves specialized equipment, training, and highly trained medical staff. It’s also important to note that LASIK surgery is different than other refractive eye surgery such as PRK or laser eye surgery in that it is a one-time procedure that permanently changes your vision rather than a corrective measure that can be reversed at a later date if necessary. This type of surgery is also more complex, which is why it costs more than other types of corrective eye surgeries such as PRK or laser eye surgery.
What’s the difference between PRK and LASIK?
First of all, let’s briefly discuss what PRK and LASIK are in case you don’t know. PRK is short for photo-refractive keratectomy, which is a type of surgery that uses ultraviolet light to change the shape of the cornea, making it flatter and less curved. The downside of this type of surgery is that it can take several weeks before the cornea has fully healed, and it can cause complications such as haze and dry eye.LASIK is an acronym that stands for laser in situ keratomileusis. It is a type of refractive eye surgery that uses a laser to create a thin corneal flap before the laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, making it flatter and less curved. Both PRK and LASIK correct your vision by changing the shape of your cornea.
What you need to know about LASIK surgery
Before you go ahead with LASIK surgery, it’s important to note that this is a serious operation that can cause serious and long-lasting complications if not performed correctly and safely. It’s also important to remember that if you have a refractive error that can be corrected with LASIK surgery, you’re still better off wearing corrective lenses. That’s because LASIK surgery is meant to correct your vision and not your vision prescription. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you get your eyes examined for LASIK surgery:
- If you’re an adult who wants to correct their vision, you should have 20/20 or better vision in each eye. If you have a vision problem that can be corrected with LASIK surgery, you might be able to improve your vision to 20/20 or better if you wear corrective lenses.
- If you have a vision problem that can be corrected with LASIK surgery and you don’t have 20/20 or better vision in each eye, it’s important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about the potential benefits of surgery and the risks involved. You should also consider wearing corrective lenses until you can get your vision to 20/20 or better.
- The cost of LASIK surgery varies greatly depending on where you live, your eye health, the type of surgery you want, and how much coverage your insurance or medical savings account offers. You can also expect to pay for eye exams and other tests in addition to the surgery.
How much does LASIK cost?
The cost of LASIK surgery varies greatly depending on where you live, your eye health, the type of surgery you want, and how much coverage your insurance or medical savings account offers. You can also expect to pay for eye exams and other tests in addition to the surgery. Here are some examples of average LASIK surgery costs:
- For a PRK surgery that corrects only one eye, the average cost is between $2,000 and $5,000. For a LASIK surgery that corrects one eye, the average cost is between $4,000 and $9,000.
- For a PRK surgery that corrects both eyes, the average cost is between $3,800 and $7,500. For a LASIK surgery that corrects both eyes, the average cost is between $8,000 and $12,500.
Is LASIK worth the cost?
That’s a question you should ask yourself before undergoing LASIK surgery. The answer to this question depends on many factors such as your health, your budget, and the potential benefits of the surgery. If you have poor eye health or want to correct your vision for aesthetic reasons, it’s likely that LASIK surgery is worth the cost.
Bottom line
The price of LASIK surgery varies greatly depending on where you live, your eye health, the type of surgery you want, and how much coverage your insurance or medical savings account offers. You can also expect to pay for eye exams and other tests in addition to the surgery. It’s important to remember that LASIK surgery is a serious operation that can cause serious and long-lasting complications if not performed correctly and safely. Before undergoing this procedure, you should talk to a doctor about your options and consider the pros and cons of undergoing LASIK surgery.