Understanding the Cost of LASIK
The cost of LASIK eye surgery is a major consideration for patients looking to improve their vision. Prices for LASIK can vary considerably based on several factors, including the location of the surgery center and the technology employed. In 2024, the cost of LASIK typically ranges from $1,950 to $2,700 per eye. For both eyes, the total cost can range from $3,900 to $5,400. LASIK eye surgery usually isn’t covered by insurance, so it’s important to know what affects the cost. This will help you decide if LASIK is the right option for you. At SightMD, we are committed to providing transparent pricing and flexible payment options to make LASIK more accessible to individuals across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
What Affects the Cost of LASIK?
The cost of LASIK depends on a few factors. These include how much vision correction you need, the technology used, and the surgeon’s experience.
- Location: The location that LASIK is performed can have a significant impact on the overall cost of the procedure in addition to whether or not the procedure is performed in house or at an outside facility.
- LASIK Technology – The type of LASIK technology utilized significantly influences the overall cost. Advanced laser systems, such as bladeless LASIK (also referred to as femtosecond laser) and wavefront-guided LASIK, offer greater precision and can lead to superior results. At SightMD, we provide cutting-edge LASIK technology to guarantee optimal outcomes for our patients.
- Follow Ups & Additional Costs – The price you see for LASIK might not cover everything. Some clinics have all-inclusive packages that take care of pre-surgery consultations, follow-up visits, and any enhancement procedures you might need later on.
Wavefront Optimized LASIK
Wavefront-optimized LASIK, similar to custom LASIK, can treat higher level aberrations. However it is focused primarily on maintaining the natural cornea shape vs. providing a customized map of your eye.
Topography Guided LASIK
Topography guided LASIK eye surgery can be comparable in price to wavefront optimized LASIK depending on the level of customization needed for the procedure. The major difference between the two is that Topography guided surgery is better used for irregular corneas or corneal scars. Wavefront, on the other hand, is aimed for patients with common refractive errors.
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
As previously mentioned, laser vision correction surgery can cost anywhere from $1,950 to $2,700 per eye. This covers everything from the initial consultation to post-op care and the follow-ups you’ll need before and after the procedure.
At SightMD, we have a commitment to being transparent with our LASIK pricing. To better understand the cost of LASIK at SightMD, schedule a LASIK consultation at one of our practices.
Is LASIK Cost Covered by Insurance?
In 2024 LASIK eye surgery is considered to be an elective procedure meaning most insurance companies will not provide any coverage. While LASIK surgery is generally not covered by insurance, some employers provide vision benefits that include discounts on LASIK through partnerships with select providers. These benefits may potentially include discounts to the cost of the procedure. You can call your employer and insurance company to determine if any discounts are available for LASIK Eye surgery
Payment Options for LASIK
There are several payment options available to make the procedure more affordable. Our team will do everything in its power to make sure that you get the optimal vision care that you deserve.
We accept payments in the form of:
- Certified bank check or money order
- All major credit cards (Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, and Discover®)
- Debit card
- Financing through healthcare financing plans like Care Credit
Flexible Financing for LASIK
In addition to our standard payment methods, we are pleased to offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit. These options allow patients to manage their expenses by spreading the cost of their procedures over several months or even years, making it easier to access the care they need without financial strain.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) through your employer, you can utilize these accounts to finance your LASIK surgery. FSAs and HSAs allow you to use pre-tax money for medical expenses, helping to reduce the total cost of procedures.
LASIK Discounts and Promotions
At SightMD, we provide seasonal promotions and discounts, particularly for first responders, military personnel, and educators receiving LASIK. Be sure to ask during your consultation about any special pricing or promotions that you may be eligible for. SightMD also provides discounts through various eye care vision plans.
How Does the Cost of Lasik Compare to Other Treatment Options?
Although the cost of LASIK may initially appear high, many patients consider the investment in their vision to be worthwhile. LASIK not only offers the convenience of clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses, but it can also lead to long-term savings by decreasing the necessity for prescription eyewear and regular eye exams. Many may underestimate how fast the cost of glasses or contacts can add up over time. Over the course of several years both glasses and contacts become more expensive than Lasik.
Cost of Glasses vs. Lasik
The average cost of a new pair of glasses, without insurance, ranges from $100 and $500 for standard frames and lenses. However, selecting high-end designer frames or specialty lenses can significantly increase the overall expense. This does not include the costs of lost or broken glasses, which may need to be replaced more frequently than once a year. Additionally, it excludes the expenses related to eye exams and obtaining an updated prescription, if necessary.
The cost of getting new glasses every 1 to 2 years can add up quickly especially if you choose extra features which can include anti-reflective coatings or progressive lenses. In ten years, you might spend between $500 and $3,000 or more on glasses, based on your personal needs and choices.
Cost of Contacts vs. Lasik
The initial expense of contact lenses is usually much higher than glasses, mainly because lenses need to be replaced often and require regular purchases of cleaning solutions and cases. The yearly cost of disposable lenses depends on whether you choose daily, weekly, or monthly lenses and can range from $250 and $750.
In 10 years, you might spend $2,500 to $7,500 on contact lenses and related supplies. If you require specialty lenses, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses, the costs may rise significantly.
Over the several years both contacts and glasses can quickly become more expensive than a LASIK procedure.
How to Choose a LASIK Surgeon
While some facilities may offer lower costs for LASIK, it’s important to understand the reasons behind these prices. In certain instances, the technology being used may not be as advanced, or the surgeon may lack sufficient experience. It’s essential to ensure that your vision is entrusted to the best possible care to minimize the risk of complications during LASIK. Selecting the right LASIK surgeon is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make on your path to improved vision. The success of your LASIK procedure significantly relies on the surgeon’s skill and experience, as well as the quality of care offered by their practice
Guiding Philosophy
We believe that everyone deserves to experience clear vision, free from the constraints of corrective eyewear. Guided by this philosophy, we work with patients to help them understand the cost of LASIK eye surgery, as well as their payment options.
At SightMD we offer multiple payment avenues to make laser vision correction as affordable as possible. We don’t want our patients to dwell on the cost of LASIK, because clear vision is priceless.