Average Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery?

For most that would be interested in LASIK surgery cost is a major factor. Here's a look at the average cost of LASIK eyes surgery.
If you are tired of wearing glasses or struggling to keep contacts comfortably in your eyes, it is time to consider the average cost of LASIK eyes surgery in your location. It turns out that prices vary considerably and are based on a variety of factors.

Before we get into the figures, stop to consider some basic information that goes into judging the price of this type of surgery. The first thing you must know is that the quotes you see in advertisements are always for one eye. If you are like most people and need the surgery in both eyes, double the advertised rate.

You also must know that everyone does not pay the same price for this type of surgery. Since the ultimate price depends on the amount of correction needed and how much after care a patient may require, one person will pay more or less than someone else even if all other factors are the same.

Have you seen those advertisements that claim to do LASIK surgery for extremely low prices? This is mainly a trick to get more people in the door to consider the operation. Most will find that they do not qualify for the lower rate because it is designed only for people who need minor amounts of correction.

You can also expect to see some differences in pricing from one state to another. Even different doctors located in the same area may have considerably different price ranges. This is partly because the surgery is more in demand by consumers in particular areas of the country.

The experience and level of official training a specific provider has received will also determine their prices. A lot of lower priced providers are inexperienced or do not have a much training in the procedure. That is why you should always look into credentials and not just run with the lowest price you can find.

Getting into the actual procedure, there are differences in prices based on the instruments you want used. The cheapest option is to use a bladed tool for the incisions, though most people pay a bit more to have the advantage of guided lasers instead.

Even further, advanced technologies that increase the accuracy of the surgery will increase the price even more. This would include Wavefront LASIK and similar technologies.

That finally brings us to the average cost of LASIK surgery as they stand right now. Surprisingly, the rates do not seem to be rising very much from year to year.

The average price across the country is about $2, 000 right now. Expect to pay a bit less if you do not need a lot of correction or are going with the blade tool surgery. Similarly, you may pay a bit more if you need more extensive correction or will need more after care.

When you are evaluating the average cost of LASIK eyes surgery make sure you do not sacrifice your health for cost. Also, you could get rates much lower or higher depending on where you live and the experience level of the provider that you select for your surgery. To get a more precise estimate, select a provider in your area and have them do an initial exam to determine what is needed in your case.

By Frank Rodriguez
Published: 9/12/2009
 
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