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.
Remember, lasik surgery prices are quoted per eye. Even if you’re having both eyes worked on, it’s still a per eye charge. Most of the studies you find will show an average cost in 2008 and 2009 of $2100 per eye. Still, you’ll find some lasik surgeons charging a little more based on office expenses as well as equipment costs. If you shop around you should be able to find a very qualified doctor at or new $2000 per eye.
If you live in a more rural area, you may find prices slightly lower than these averages. At the same time, you may not have the latest equipment available to you. This may not matter in your decision; after all, 5 year old equipment worked just fine 5 years ago when it was cutting edge. If you do want to get the latest advances at the most affordable cost, it may be advantageous for you to look at the closest metropolitan area for your surgery. Because the recovery time is so mild and relatively quick, some people will make a semi-vacation out of the surgery. A Friday surgery, weekend recovery and then a few days to explore the city with your new set of eyes.
There have been some advances in lasik technology that could affect the cost of your laser eye correction. One of the biggest changes is something called “bladeless” lasik or IntraLase. Typically, a sharp blade or scalpel will be used to open the cornea. This is then folded over and a laser is used to remove or “shave” off the correct amount in order to properly correct your vision. With bladeless lasik, a laser is also used to precisely remove the cornea rather than a scalpel. This will add to the cost of your laser vision correction.
Be very wary of anyone offering lasik at prices that just “seem” too low. These bargain prices have been the subject of several investigations and lawsuits in several states. In one particular case out of Florida, a lasik office was fined by the state and ordered to correct their misleading advertising. What they’ll typically do is quote a very low price for you, require a non-refundable deposit and then hit you with all the “extras” such as anesthesia, post operative exams, facility charges and more. These are clearly items that are not optional. Once they have your deposit, there’s no backing out. Be very careful of anyone trying to do the same type of arm twisting.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to the cost of your lasik vision correction. Office space and equipment are a large part of those costs as is the staff you see around the office. Another big factor in the cost is advertising. You most likely see ads for lasik vision in the newspaper or coupon mailers every week. That costs money and it’s passed on to you, the patient. With any medical procedure, there is going to be a high cost of insurance for the surgeon. Believe it or not, there’s even a royalty paid to the company that invented the lasik surgery technology. They license that technology to each doctor who pays a little over $100 each time they perform the procedure.
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.
When it comes to your eyes, going the budget route is rarely a good idea. Be smart with your money but don’t let it force you into using an inferior process by a doctor you’re not completely comfortable with. There are plenty of ways to work high quality lasik vision correction into your family budget; cutting corners shouldn’t be one of them.
Tags: lasik vision, lasik surgery, Contact Lenses, Health
