LASIK Can Cost $50 to $5000 And Here's Why

LASIK eye surgery is an outpatient procedure performed to correct one’s vision to 20/20 or better. The average cost of LASIK eye surgery without insurance in 2023 is $2,385 per eye or $4,770 for both eyes. Other factors can also increase the surgery's cost, like the technology used or the patient’s vision quality. 

If you have problems with your vision or other aspects of your health, Mira can help you get an appointment at an urgent care center near you. In addition, a Mira membership offers up to 80% off prescriptions and affordable lab tests. 

7 Different Types of LASIK Surgery

1.Traditional LASIK: $1,000 to $2,500 per eye

Traditional LASIK is the original form of surgery, where a microkeratome, a hand-held blade, is used to create a thin flap in the cornea. After lifting the flap, an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct the vision. This method is typically the least expensive, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per eye. Despite being the oldest technique, traditional LASIK is still performed today due to its relative affordability and good outcomes for suitable candidates.

2. Custom LASIK (Wavefront LASIK): $2,000 and $3,000 per eye

Custom or Wavefront LASIK takes a more personalized approach. It employs wavefront technology to generate a detailed map of the eye, thus enabling the surgeon to tailor the laser ablation process more precisely. This can result in better visual outcomes and reduce the likelihood of nighttime glare and halos, common complications with the traditional approach. The cost can jump significantly, generally between $2,000 and $3,000 per eye due to the advanced technology involved.

3. Bladeless LASIK (All-Laser LASIK): $2,000 to $4,000 per eye

Bladeless, also known as All-Laser LASIK, refers to a method where a femtosecond laser replaces the microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap. This laser offers more precision, potentially reducing the risks associated with the mechanical cutting of a flap. Greater precision allows for a more consistent flap thickness, which is particularly beneficial for patients with thin corneas. Bladeless LASIK costs can range from $2,000 to $4,000 per eye.

4. Topography-Guided LASIK

An advancement in the LASIK field is topography-guided LASIK, which uses detailed corneal topography maps to guide the laser for a highly customized treatment. It is particularly useful for patients with irregular astigmatism or corneal abnormalities. The cost of topography-guided LASIK is similar to that of Wavefront LASIK, but may be slightly higher due to the advanced mapping technology involved.

5. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): $2,500 and $4,000 per eye

SMILE is a newer variation of laser eye surgery that differs significantly from LASIK. A small, lenticule-shaped piece of corneal tissue is created and removed through a small incision, reshaping the cornea without the need for a flap. The key advantages are a reduced risk of dry eye symptoms and a stronger cornea post-procedure, making it suitable for patients with active lifestyles. SMILE generally costs between $2,500 and $4,000 per eye.

6. LASEK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) and PRK are alternatives to LASIK that do not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the outer corneal layer (the epithelium) is gently moved aside before reshaping the corneal tissue underneath. These procedures often are recommended for patients with thin corneas or other corneal issues. The cost is somewhat lower than LASIK, falling in the same range as traditional LASIK.

7. Epi-LASIK

Epi-LASIK is similar to LASEK but uses an epikeratome device to separate the epithelial sheet, preserving more corneal tissue. The difference in outcome compared to LASEK may be minimal, and the cost of Epi-LASIK generally overlaps with that of LASEK and PRK.

The Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery

We collected data from five different LASIK surgery centers in major metropolitan areas across the United States. On average, it was found that LASIK eye surgery costs $2,385 per eye. This price is before any financial assistance from an insurance provider or a payment plan. The cheapest cost was found at LASIK Pro Eye Consultants in Orlando, Florida, for only $1,950 per eye. 

The prices included in the table below are the cost of the procedure for one eye, but there can be additional fees pre and post-surgery. Many people have poor vision in both eyes and may therefore choose to get surgery on both of their eyes. Before scheduling surgery, make sure to ask your doctor about all of the potential costs to help avoid surprise bills. 

Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery Without Insurance At Different Clinics

The fees listed above also cover the cost of any postoperative visits or checkups you may need for up to one year. These prices are only covered if the checkup checkups occur at the clinic that your surgery was completed. In addition, these offices all offer free consultations with a doctor before having the surgery to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. 

Additional Costs of LASIK Eye Surgery

In addition to the baseline cost of LASIK eye surgery, it is important to consider that you may run into other fees down the road to maintain your vision. Although LASIK eye surgery advertises ‘perfect vision without needing corrective lenses or contacts anymore, this is not always the case. Many people end up needing glasses for when they drive or at nighttime, especially as they get older. 

In addition, your doctor will likely prescribe you antibiotic eye drops pre-surgery, which you will need to pay for. If you don’t have insurance, Mira can help you access discounts to over 1,000 prescription medications.  

Below we outline some of the additional costs associated with LASIK eye surgery. Note that the price you pay can vary greatly depending on where you seek care, as well as the type of eyeglasses and contacts you use. 

Additional Costs to LASIK Eye Surgery

Beware of Bargains for LASIK Eye Surgery

You may see advertisements online that list LASIK eye surgery as being less than $1,000 per eye. Although this may seem like a great deal, you should approach these advertisements with caution. Such ads don’t usually include all the costs associated with the surgery, so that you may be surprised by additional fees. Low costs that are advertised may apply only to people who have mild vision issues. Therefore, if you have very poor vision, you may not qualify for the advertised price.

If you are considering getting LASIK eye surgery that is relatively inexpensive, be sure to ask about the technology being used. If the physician is using older technology, there may be additional risks post-surgery. 

Cost of LASIK Abroad

Medical tourism for LASIK eye surgery has become a popular trend, driven by the potential cost savings and the allure of combining a medical procedure with travel. Many countries offer LASIK at more affordable prices compared to the United States, Canada, or Western Europe. However, seeking LASIK surgery overseas requires careful consideration of several factors, including the qualifications of the staff, facility accreditations, and the potential risks involved with travel and aftercare.

The cost of LASIK surgery abroad can be enticing, but these figures vary by country and clinic. Here’s a rough idea of LASIK costs in popular medical tourism destinations:

• India: $500 - $1,000 per eye
• Mexico: $1,000 - $1,800 per eye
• South Korea: $1,200 - $2,000 per eye
• Thailand: $700 - $1,500 per eye
• Turkey: $1,000 - $2,000 per eye

When investigating overseas LASIK options, ensure that you are looking at all-inclusive costs. It should cover pre-surgery assessments, the surgery, medication, and aftercare. Hidden costs, such as travel, accommodation, and the potential need for unanticipated medical expenses should also be accounted for.

7 Alternatives To Consider

For individuals seeking vision correction without the financial burden of traditional or more advanced LASIK procedures, there are several lower-cost alternatives worth considering. These alternatives may not be as quick or all-encompassing as LASIK, but they offer viable options for vision improvement.

1.PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): $1,000 to $2,500 per eye

PRK is an alternative to LASIK that is typically less expensive, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per eye. It was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction and is still widely performed today. Like LASIK, PRK reshapes the corneal surface using an excimer laser; however, it does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the top layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is completely removed and regenerates itself over time. While the recovery period is longer and might be more uncomfortable than LASIK, PRK outcomes often match those of LASIK in the long term.

2. LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy): $1,000 to $2,500 per eye

LASEK shares similarities with both LASIK and PRK but typically comes with a lower price tag, averaging $1,000 to $2,500 per eye. Instead of removing the epithelial layer as in PRK, it is loosened with alcohol and pushed aside. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea, and the epithelial layer is placed back on the eye. LASEK can be an option for patients with thin corneas who are not ideal candidates for LASIK.

3. Epi-LASIK

Epi-LASIK also offers cost savings over traditional LASIK, with prices similar to those of PRK and LASEK. It combines elements of LASIK and LASEK. In this procedure, a special device creates a thin flap of the epithelial layer, which is lifted to allow laser reshaping of the cornea. Post-surgery, the flap is repositioned, usually with a soft contact lens to protect it during healing. Epi-LASIK can be a good alternative for those who are concerned about the corneal flap complications associated with LASIK.

4. AK (Astigmatic Keratotomy)

For patients with astigmatism, Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) might be suggested. This procedure involves making one or more incisions in the cornea to change its shape and correct astigmatism. It is less expensive than LASIK, with prices ranging widely depending on the specifics of the procedure but generally falling below $1,000 per eye. AK can be performed alone or in conjunction with other refractive surgeries for better results.

5. RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange)

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is more commonly used to correct extreme farsightedness or cataracts and involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial one. While RLE is generally more expensive than LASIK, it can serve as a cost-effective solution for patients who will require cataract surgery down the line, serving a dual purpose and potentially saving money over time.

6. Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

Phakic IOLs involve placing an implantable lens in the eye without removing the natural lens. This option is primarily for patients with high levels of myopia and is less commonly performed than other types of refractive surgery. While the up-front cost may be slightly higher than LASIK, it is a one-time investment that might offer savings over a lifetime compared to the ongoing purchase of prescription lenses and frames.

7. Non-Surgical Options

Lastly, for those not ready or not ideal candidates for surgical vision correction, updated prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses are always an option. Advances such as high-definition lenses can significantly improve vision. For contact lenses, there are various types, including those designed for extended wear and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, which can provide a high level of vision correction.

LASIK Eye Surgery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before getting a major surgery like LASIK, you may have additional questions. Below we outline the answers to common questions about the procedure. 

What is LASIK eye surgery?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK) eye surgery is a procedure done to correct people’s vision. It can be performed at an ophthalmologist’s office or in a hospital. The goal of the procedure is to restore the patient’s vision to 20/20 or better. 

How long does LASIK eye surgery take?

LASIK is a relatively short procedure and takes less than 30 minutes. Typically, this procedure can be completed about 10-15 minutes per eye. You should plan to allot about one to two hours in your doctor’s office for this procedure. 

Is LASIK eye surgery always successful in correcting vision issues? 

LASIK successfully provides 20/20 vision in over 90 percent of patients and 20/40 vision to over 99% of patients. Someone will rarely need vision assistance following the procedure but discuss success rates with your doctor before getting surgery. 

If you still need assistance correcting your vision post-LASIK, you can use eyeglasses or contact lenses; both are safe to use, but it’s advised to wait at least six months before using contact lenses, and you should always speak to your doctor beforehand. 

What is the recovery process from LASIK?

The recovery from LASIK is generally quick and not painful. Immediately following the procedure, your doctor will conduct an eye exam to see if the surgery was successful. You will then be able to go home, but someone else must drive you. 

You will have a few follow-up appointments to assess the quality of your vision to determine when you can begin driving again. You will also be prescribed eye drops to help your eye heal properly. It’s recommended that you don’t participate in strenuous exercise or wear eye makeup for at least a week. 

Does insurance cover LASIK eye surgery?

Insurance typically does not cover LASIK eye surgery because it is considered a cosmetic and elective procedure. Your insurance provider may cover this procedure if your vision issues result from an injury or a previous surgery. 

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use this money towards the cost of your LASIK eye surgery. Depending on how much you have saved, you could cover the entire surgery cost with the funds from one of these accounts. 

What are the alternatives to LASIK eye surgery? 

LASIK is only one way to correct vision problems. There are several surgical alternatives to this procedure, including the following: 

• LASEK
• Epi-Lasik
• Conductive Keratoplasty
• Phakic Intraocular Lenses
• Refractive Lens Exchange

These procedures all correct vision problems surgically but use slightly different techniques and technologies to do so. Talk to your doctor about which surgical procedure may be best for you. 

Bottom Line 

LASIK eye surgery is a corrective procedure that aims to give patients 20/20 vision or better. Because insurance doesn’t usually cover the cost, this procedure can be pretty pricey. The average price of LASIK eye surgery for one eye is $2,385.