LASIK Cost
The cost of LASIK eye surgery varies widely between facilities. Generally, LASIK centers can be divided into two categories based on the price they charge and the services they provide.
Low Cost, High Volume
The average low cost LASIK center aims to provide the best quality service at a lower price than their competitors. A lower price does not necessarily indicate a lower quality establishment - LASIK centers will often artificially inflate their prices to play on this misconception. The quality of the surgeon and the equipment they have are far more indicative of the quality of surgery you will receive than the price. If cost is a concern for you, don't fret: just make sure to do your research.
Here are some things to look out for in a low-cost, high-volume LASIK center:
- Do they own their Excimer laser, or is it rented (or otherwise shared with other outside doctors)?. If the equipment is rented or shared it is likely (although not necessarily the case) that the condition suffers. It is preferable that they own their own laser, since this investment alone is impetus for them to keep it in good working order.
- Do they perform LASIK in house, or is it performed elsewhere? If it is out of house, this may be cause for concern.
- Does the price include the cost of consultation? Does it include aftercare? For how long? What is covered?
For more specific information, browse our LASIK pages in your location to help you make these comparison.
High Cost, Low Volume
A high cost, low volume establishment tends to offer higher quality surgeons, equipment, and care.
Factors that lead to a higher priced surgery:
- Experience of the surgeon: if you're surgeon is very experienced with LASIK, it is likely he will charge more for his services. In most cases this price increase is worth it: a surgery performed by a more experienced doctor tends to have less problems over time. An experienced surgeon can charge from $350-$550 more per eye.
- Custom LASIK: if you're lasik surgery is customized to your eye using WaveFront technology, the price will go up by approximately $300-500 per eye
- If the surgery uses an IntraLase Laser instead of a Microkeratome blade to make the corneal flap, this will also increase the cost of surgery by approximately $300-500 per eye.
- Location: Surgeries on the West Coast tend to be more expensive.
In the first three cases, the increase in cost is directly correlated with a decrease in complications. Take this into account in making your decision.
Comparative Cost
When considering LASIK, it is useful to compare the cost of surgery (and the benefits of its results) to what you would otherwise be spending on contact lenses or glasses (excluding, for now, their inconvenience). Assuming the average age of a LASIK patient is 30 and that the average human life ends at around 70, we can compare the cost over a period of 40 years.
- The average LASIK surgery costs around $4000 (for both eyes). Over the assumed 40 year period this averages to $100/yr.
- The average cost of contact lenses for 1 year (including cleaning solution): $300-500. Over a 40 year period, this would total $12,000-20,000. This doesn't account for the inconvenience of purchasing and wearing contacts.
Risk aside, LASIK is the economically wise decision.
Financing
Most LASIK centers offer a variety of financing options to help you spread your payments out. Financing ranges from 3, 6, 9 months or 1 year an is usually arranged through an outside provider. LASIK centers may offer in-house financing options.
Sources
1) 'The Average Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery - Discover the Real Figures' by Darrel Van Zyl: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Van_Zyl
