Average Lasik Eye Surgery Cost in the U.S.

LASIK eye surgery has become a great option for those who require glasses or have less than perfect vision. This procedure is simple and is usually done outpatient under a local anesthetic. Lasik is generally used to correct vision issues dealing with nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. It uses special lasers and/or blades to lift a small flap/piece of the eye up and remove corneal tissue. Once the appropriate amount of corneal tissue is filed down the flap created is placed back over the eye. LASIK surgery is a quick and less then costly way to treat vision problems. The general cost for this type of surgery can vary greatly depending where you go, whether you are interested in a laser procedure or a blade procedure, both eyes or one eye and so forth.

Lasik eye surgery cost quotes are mostly priced out per eye and depend greatly on the exact type of procedure you are having, but to make it easier for most people we display our average cost below for both eyes together. A few price determinants might be if the doctor is using bladeless LASIK, custom wavefront LASIK, non-customized LASIK with a microkeratome and excimer lasers (which involve using a blade and no wavefront technology) and Intralase LASIK eye surgery .These are just a few examples of critical price factors when obtaining a quote. Prices again are quoted per eye so if a price sounds too good to be true it probably is, read the fine print and ask the doctor what the total would be for one or both eyes depending what you’re interested in and do some research. Lasik surgery may be a simple in and out procedure but you need not forget that your eyes are being operated on and your sight is very valuable. It would be foolish to go to a surgeon without good references and background just because his price in cheaper than the rest. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!

Here are a few “average” cost of Lasik eye surgery quotes for 2009:

  • Lasik with bladed microkeratome: $3,600 total cost for both eyes (about $1,800 each eye)
  • Wavefront Lasik with laser flap: $4,600 total cost for both eyes (about $2,300 each eye)

The majority percentage of surgeons charge prices in the range of what is shown above, with some charging slightly more or less depending on location and a few other factors. General LASIK eye surgery can cost anywhere from $500/eye – $2500/eye and this depends on many of the factors stated above. This procedure has grown so much in the last few years that there are many different lasers, instruments and technologies that have now been added. The type of Lasik you receive will be determined by your surgeon and customized to your vision needs. Besides the few different variations of this surgery that determine cost there are also many other factors that go into the price.

Here is breakdown of a few important factors of price:

  • Purchase and use of surgical equipment for the procedure
  • All sterile equipment such as gowns, masks, gloves,  and any sterile prepackaged instruments used during the procedure by the doctor and nurses
  • Medications for before and after the LASIK surgery
  • Royalties to laser and instruments manufacturers’
  • Anesthesia, anesthesiologist, eye drops and gauze
  • Pre-op and post-op visits
  • Staff fees and payments

Again this is a quick simple outpatient procedure but when searching for a doctor should be taken very seriously. Maintenance of the facility, after care for the patients, medications and availability of the doctor should all be factors to consider. This is a simple procedure if done in the proper sterile atmosphere with an experienced surgeon. Proper care and cleanliness should be maintained once the procedure is complete and individuals usually are back to normal within 24 hours. Discounts are sometimes offered for LASIK eye surgery but are generally limited to people who do not require a great deal of revision. There are often radio stations advertising $1000 discounts and if you trust those doctors then you should go for it. Most people view Lasik as not too costly for the pure fact you are correcting your vision and will not need glasses or contact lenses anymore. It is truly beneficial for many people but really do your research when deciding where and which LASIK procedure to get.

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