Is Lasik Vision Correction Expensive?
If you’re even slightly interested in the pursuing lasik as a way to correct your vision, one of the biggest factors in your decision making process will most likely be the cost. As we all know, medical costs have shot through the roof over the past decade, but lasik surgery seems to have eluded this trend. One reason for this is the fact that insurance typically won’t cover the cost of your lasik surgery. This forces people to shop around for price, which drives the cost down to meet consumer demands.
The average cost for lasik vision surgery over the past 2 years has remained right around $2100 to $2300 for each eye. That’s a very important distinction to make. Just about every lasik surgeon quotes the cost of laser surgery per eye. Always make sure you consider this when you’re price shopping. Also remember, some doctors have taken extensive additional training or have specific pieces of equipment which can greatly improve your experience.
In the larger metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago, Dallas and others, doctors are always trying to outdo the competition with new technologies, nicer office space and other items that contribute to the end cost. Because there are more doctors in these large areas, surgeons must spend more money on advertising. This will show up in the final cost to you. Of course, because there are more doctors, there is more competition over price as well. Overall, there is a slightly higher cost in the bigger cities, but you’ll typically get the latest and greatest technological advances. If you can, it’s worth going a bit of distance to get the most value for your dollars.
One of the changes in lasik surgery over the past few years that will contribute to the cost is something called IntraLase or bladeless lasik surgery. With this procedure, a laser, rather than a blade, is used to open up the corneal flap. It’s become rather common place with most laser eye surgeons, but it’s still an optional item at an additional cost of about $250 per eye. Most agree its well worth it.
It’s true; you can usually save a bit of money by shopping around for the best deal, but be careful when you see supposed “bargain” prices for your lasik surgery. There have been some lawsuits filed and won over the past few years based on this practice. When you see those extremely low prices, make sure you find out if there are ANY additional costs that COULD show up on your bill. Be extremely wary if you’re being asked to pay a non-refundable deposit on your surgery. Most experts recommend not engaging in any contract that would require this.
Because lasik is an outpatient process that seems relatively fast and painless, many people wonder why it costs over $2000 per eye. There are a lot of costs that factor into these prices. Right off the bat, there actually is a royalty paid to the laser company that invented this procedure. Lasik surgery is a very competitive business, which helps keep the cost down overall, but it also means doctors will have to spend a good portion of their budget on advertising. This cost is obviously passed on to you. Also, even though lasik is safe and quick, there’s still a liability the doctor takes on and must be insured for. Those premiums are added into the cost of your surgery too. The more fancy the office the most cost to you as well.
Because lasik vision surgery is normally not covered by your insurance, the costs can be prohibitive. Many doctors are combating this by carrying their own loans. If you qualify, you can get a great deal with zero down payment and zero interest. If you’re offered this, make sure you read the fine print as you would before signing any loan document. If you make your payments on time and pay off the loan as schedules it’s a great deal.
This is no place to get frugal. After all, this is your vision you’re talking about. Ask around for referrals and look for an experienced doctor who treats you as an important patient, not just another number to run through the “lasik mill.” This can be a very positive experience if you do your research and don’t rush into it.
