Dean Caporella asked:


The average cost of lasik eye surgery can vary quite significantly from provider to provider and it’s imperative that prospective patients do some necessary due diligence before making any undertaking to have the procedure performed.

The average cost has been rising steadily during the past few years due mainly to new technologies and procedures such as custom lasik.

Did You Know?

Intralase is a new procedure introduced recently which uses a laser rather than a metal blade used in traditional laser methods. There are two lasers used in this procedure; one to create the flap and the excimer laser which removes abnormal growth.

Cost Factors To Consider

Recently, a close pal of mine who had been considering lasik eye surgery for some time took the plunge and had the procedure performed. The result: an extremely happy patient who after weeks of due diligence and homework now regrets not having had the surgery performed earlier. It set him back close to $3000 Australian dollars but in his own words…”it was money well spent!”

So how much can you expect to pay? Well, this depends on the amount of correction and follow up treatment required per eye. You see, it’s well and good to get excited about an ad advertising lasik at under $500 per eye but you need to consider several factors. The price advertised is more than likely for less intensive treatment and if this applies to you then all well and good. However, what most people find is the price they originally see advertised is a far cry from the quote they are finally given simply because they haven’t factored in the amount of correction required and in some instances, this can be extensive.

During 2002, the average cost of lasik eye surgery was about $US1500 but by the end of 2005, it had risen to just under $US2000. In 2006 and beyond, well, I’ve given you an example of $AUS3000 which equates under current currency conversions to about $US2300.

Testing And Screening Before Treatment Is Very Important

A common dilemma for prospective lasik patients is the great variance in fees and this comes down to pre-operative testing. This is something you must consider. Why? Well, in my friend’s case, he opted for proper screening before he agreed to have his surgery performed. He reasoned that this was a sensible way to avoid any unnecessary complications and it also ascertained whether he was a proper lasik candidate. If he had gone ahead with the procedure without the proper pre-operative test then it could have presented problems.

It must be remembered that while lasik has been a “god-send” in the world of eye surgery to millions around the world there are still those unsuitable for treatment because of a pre-existing condition.

There is one very simple way around this: get screened beforehand. Talk it over with your surgeon. Lasik is a time efficient procedure but people must remember it is still a complex one. “Cover all bases” before you commit to it.

nlwest21 asked:


The price for LASIK eye surgery can vary between the different providers and it can also be based on many different factors. Usually the provider will quote you a price that will be based per eye. That is because one treatment of LASIK procedure is only done on one eye. This doesn’t mean that you won’t fix both eyes in the same day. Just remember that the price you are quoted will need to be doubled if you are planning on correcting the vision in both eyes.

Surgeons performing the procedure might also tack on extra charges depending on whether or not they are using a newer technology for better precision. The most common new technology that they wil use is IntraLase. During this LASIK procedure the surgeon will use a laser in place of a bladed instrument.

In 2008 analysts made a list of the average costs of LASIK surgery:

$1,662 for the non-customized LASIK in which the surgeon will use a bladded instrument and excimer lasers that are not guided by the use of wavefront analysis.

$2,105 for LASIK laser based vision correction where only a single price is quoted.

$2,341 for the LASIK procedure procedure where the surgeon will use IntraLase.

Keep in mind that there are wide variations that can be included in the price. Some advertisements will quote a great price – but will have hidden charges in the fine print. Very few people are quoted an incredibly low price without the addition in fees and other charges. Most people will need corrective surgery and follow up appointments after the original procedure.

But it seems that LASIK surgery is still becoming a bit more affordable then they were a few years ago. Reports show that in 2006 the average LASIK price was $1,950. In 2007 LASIK cost an average of $2,099 at a single price and with no extra charges. In 2008 the average cost did rise slightly to $2,105.

When you compare these prices to those in 2002 through 2005 ($1,550 – $1,965) you will notice that they are lower – but they do not include new technologies and more improved procedures. These new technologies make LASIK procedures more effective.

These are the average costs of LASIK surgery – but to understand completely how much the procedure will cost you should ask your local eye surgeon. They will understand your problem and inform you how many procedures you will need and how much you will need to pay for it.

Steven Walters asked:


If you’re thinking about having lasik done then obviously the first thing you’ll think about is the safety of the procedure. I’m sure right after that you’ll start thinking about eye surgery cost. While the cost is lower than it was, you’ll have a hard time nailing down a number because lasik costs can vary based on several factors.

The first factor that will influence the cost of lasik is your location. Prices vary from state to state and city to city, with the most expensive places being the east and west coast major cities. You’ll find that lasik prices are higher in Atlanta and San Francisco than they are in Kansas City for example.

Another huge factor is the type of technology used for your laser eye surgery. The newer the technology the more expensive your surgery is going to be.

Finally, you’ll find that the experience and qualifications of the doctor will have an effect on the price of lasik.

What are typical lasik eye surgery costs?

When all is said and done, the average price of lasik eye surgery is around $1500 per eye. This price includes everything from the consultation right through the post operative follow up. Two of the factors that can change this price significantly are you’re location and the type and severity of your vision problem.

Will there be any additional Costs?

Additional costs will depend on how the price of the eye surgery is quoted. Some clinics and eye doctors will quote a base price with anything else costing extra, while others prefer to quote an all inclusive price. Any time you see extremely low advertisements for laser eye surgery these are the base prices without anything extra. Most people won’t even qualify for this extremely low lasik price.

Is discount lasik available?

It is still possible to save money on your lasik surgery. Some eye clinics will give you a discount for paying in cash and still others will print coupons in the local newspapers or yellow pages. Since eye surgery is a highly competitive market you may even be able to negotiate your own discount. Ask about possible discounts during your consultation.

Lasik eye surgery cost is certainly one of the most important things that will keep people from having the procedure done. Even though the price of lasik is a big consideration, there’s no need to let it hold you back from having the procedure done. With the lowest prices ever, possible discounts and financing available anyone who wants to can now have lasik.