LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in 2021
Problems with your vision? Thinking about getting a LASIK eye surgery done? Not sure how much it’ll cost you? Find out from our article!
LASIK, also known as laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a very popular eye surgery that helps to correct vision for those who are farsighted, nearsighted, or those who have astigmatism.
This surgery is considered one of many vision correction surgeries that reshapes your cornea, which is the clear front part of your eye. This helps for the light to focus on the retina and to the back of your eye.
Sounds kind of scary, doesn’t it? But what people mostly wonder about is the cost and how to pay for such an eye surgery.
This is where we step in! If you’re thinking about getting the procedure done but aren’t sure about the cost, here we are providing all the insights you need. So, let’s get right to it:
Average Cost
In the year 2021, the average lasik eye surgery cost stands for about $2,245 per eye in the United States. This is a report based on last year’s data.
The costs for the surgery are assembled by ophthalmologists. They are known for regularly performing LASIK and other vision correction procedures, such as SMILE, refractive lens exchange, and PRK.
The actual cost for a LASIK surgery depends on various factors. This includes the reputation and experience of the surgeon and the kind of technology they will use during your procedure.
LASIK Costs May Vary Based on Technology
You’ll find that most refractive surgeons charge only one price for all vision correction procedures. These procedures are performed with an excimer laser to reshape the cornea of your eye.
So, the use of additional technology, like a femtosecond laser that’s used to create the flap in the cornea for bladeless LASIK is already included in a single fee. It’s not charged separately as an extra procedure.
There are other LASIK surgeons who base their prices on the specific technology that’s used during surgery. For instance, they might charge more for a custom LASIK or an all-laser LASIK. These surgeons employ wavefront technology for customized procedures.
However, there are a few surgeons who base their laser surgery on the strength of your eye prescription. Going from this kind of pricing, the stronger your eye prescription is, the more you’ll end up paying than those with a lesser prescription.
Cheap LASIK Prices – Do They Provide Good Value?
Many of us have seen advertisements that promise LASIK eye surgery for less than $1,000 per eye. And no doubt, these prices can seem like a good value to most. But are they safe?
Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way and these bargain prices always come with a catch. Here are a few examples:
Only for Mild Nearsightedness
If you’re suffering from astigmatism, farsightedness, or moderately high amounts of nearsightedness then a LASIK surgery can end up costing a lot more than the advertised price.
That’s what these ads do. They lure people in, and then they charge extra for what you thought was the total price. It’s better to steer clear of these types of promotions and save your money.
Doesn’t Cover All the Fees
For example, you’re given a limited number of follow-up visits after your surgery. If you encounter a problem, you might have to pay extra for the additional care.
More than that, the cost of a follow-up surgery is probably not included in the first place. You most probably be charged for your initial consultation. All you’ll end up doing is emptying your pockets one visit after another.
Procedures Performed With an Older Technology
Even though old techs aren’t bad, newer technologies offer not only a precise LASIK procedure, but they have less risk of complications as well.
For instance, at $480 per eye, you won’t even get bladeless or custom LASIK.
If you’re thinking about a low-cost LASIK, keep in mind to get a written quote that includes everything in the offer. Always read the fine print and ask to see all and any potential fees upfront before signing on any procedure.
How to Lower LASIK Surgery Costs
It’s possible to make the cost of a LASIK surgery a little affordable. Some practices offer special incentives and pricing for other vision surgeries.
According to a 2019 survey of refractive surgeons, about 2.8% of them offered some type of special pricing. Out of those, 64% had limited time offers, 40% had special group pricing, and 87% offered no-interest financing.
You’ll also find financial companies that offer long-term payment plans and fixed rates for procedures like LASIK. As a result, many private practices and LASIK surgery centers offer financial plans through these companies.
Unfortunately, vision insurance doesn’t cover refractive surgery. But, there are some employers who arrange special discounts for their employees at an appointed surgery center.
Fortunately, there are subsidized health insurance plans that partly cover LASIK costs. Ask your employer if there is an opportunity available to cover the corrective eye procedures.
FSA and HSA to the Rescue!
FSA, also known as Flexible Spending Accounts, frequently pays for laser eye surgery. It allows you to transfer pre-tax income from your paycheck into an account for out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Just in this year, the maximum annual contribution to an FSA is $2,700. With the average cost of a LASIK eye surgery standing at $2,250 per eye, it’s most likely you’ll need more than your FSA to pay for it.
Health Savings Account
You can contribute tax-free dollars to an HSA that helps to pay for your eye surgery. But, to be eligible for an HSA, you must first be enrolled in high-deductible health insurance at your workplace.
More than that, you can even add contributions to your HSA every time you get paid. Unlike FSA, any amount you don’t spend in your HSA at the end of the year can be used in the following year or any time in the future.
So, depending on your budget, you might be able to save enough money to pay for the entire cost of your LASIK surgery with the money you contributed to your HSA.
For those serving in the military, some corrective vision surgeries are available for free, including LASIK. Of course, this will depend partly upon the nature of your duties.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we’d like to say that LASIK surgeries are a must for many. Having trouble functioning or working because of vision problems can be a matter to worry about.
We hope the information we’ve provided helps you to not only get that surgery done but also save some money. There are ways to lower the costs, so don’t worry too much about it!
Don’t forget to share this with your friends and family who might also be thinking about getting a LASIK eye surgery done.
