Lasik eye surgery is a widely popular procedure that can offer patients 20/20 vision. However, the cost of Lasik eye surgery without insurance can vary depending on several factors. These factors include your prescription, location, and other pertinent details that impact the procedure’s cost.
To give you a better understanding of the cost associated with Lasik eye surgery, we’ll walk you through these factors. Additionally, if you’re currently uninsured, it’s essential to explore the affordable coverage options that align with your financial circumstances and lifestyle requirements.
Given the high cost of the procedure, it’s prudent to have adequate coverage in place to avoid being financially burdened. Therefore, we’ll provide you with a rough estimate of the potential costs.
Lasik Eye Surgery Cost Without Insurance
Lasik eye surgery is a well-known procedure that corrects vision issues such as astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. The surgery costs around $2300 per eye, with a total cost of $4600 for both eyes on average. The cost may vary depending on the typeof surgery you choose and the severity of your eye condition.
Conventional Lasik is the most affordable option, while custom and bladeless surgeries may come with a higher price tag due to their advanced technology and precision.
It’s advisable to discuss additional costs, such as pre- and post-operative care, with your doctor before undergoing the surgery. It’s also essential to check if your health insurance covers Lasik surgery and to what extent. Being knowledgeable about your coverage can help you make an informed decision about your Lasik eye surgery and prevent any unexpected financial burdens.
Conventional Lasik
Conventional Lasik surgery is a popular option for treating lower-level vision issues such as astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. It is an affordable option, with costs ranging from $2000 to $2200 per eye without insurance or a payment plan. However, conventional Lasik only provides standard corrections and cannot be customized to treat specific vision problems.
To avoid any unexpected financial hardships, it’s imperative that you check if your health insurance policy covers Lasik eye surgery, and to what extent. Additionally, if your vision problem isn’t among the lower-level issues mentioned above, you may need to explore other Lasik options. That being said, it’s best to consult with your doctor and discuss the most suitable Lasik procedure for your specific needs.
Custom Lasik
Custom Lasik surgery is a specialized treatment option for those who require a more customized approach to their vision correction. This procedure utilizes advanced wavefront technology to create a three-dimensional map of the patient’s eye, which enables surgeons to identify and address higher-level issues that conventional Lasik surgery cannot fix. These higher-level issues often result in visual disturbances such as halos or glare around lights.
The benefits of custom Lasik surgery include a quick healing process and immediate results. However, the cost of this procedure is higher than that of conventional Lasik surgery, with a minimum price of $2200 per eye or $4400 for both eyes without insurance coverage.
Therefore, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget before deciding on the most suitable Lasik option for you. Consulting with your doctor and checking your health insurance coverage can help you make an informed decision.
Bladeless Lasik
Bladeless Lasik is a newer and more advanced option for correcting vision problems that eliminates the need for glasses and contacts. It uses a femtosecond laser to create a more precise and stable incision, resulting in faster healing time and better visual outcomes. However, the procedure is longer and may cause some pressure in the eyes. With a starting cost of $2600 per eye, it’s also the most expensive Lasik option.
In contrast to conventional and custom Lasik, bladeless Lasik is more precise and provides faster healing time and better visual outcomes overall. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that the longer procedure time and potential discomfort during the surgery should also be considered.
Additional Costs of Lasik Eye Surgery
Lasik has pre- and post-operative costs associated with it. Preoperative costs include antibiotic eye drops, which cost between $20 and $60, and a doctor’s visit that can be around $150 to $250.
Post-operative costs include eye exams, which are required to monitor your vision after the surgery. While Lasik eliminates the need for glasses, you might still require glasses as you age, but only at night, and annual eye exams are necessary to ensure that your vision doesn’t deteriorate.
What Affects the Cost of Lasik Eye Surgery?
In this section, we’ll discuss the various factors that can impact the cost of Lasik surgery. The type of equipment used, the location of the surgery, the condition of your eyes, and the pre- and post-operative care required can all influence the overall cost of your treatment.
Prescription
The state of your eyes plays a crucial role in determining the cost of Lasik surgery. If you have a low-level issue such as astigmatism, conventional Lasik surgery can be a more affordable option.
However, if you have a high-level issue that requires customized intervention, custom Lasik or bladeless Lasik may be necessary. It’s important to note that if you haven’t had your eyes tested, this will be an additional cost, as you need to know your vision prescription strength before undergoing Lasik surgery.
Moreover, the cost of Lasik surgery may also vary depending on the strength of your prescription. Some doctors may charge more for patients with a stronger prescription and less for those with a weaker one.
Clinic Location
The location of your Lasik surgery can also influence the cost. Typically, having the procedure done in a large metropolitan area will be more expensive than in a smaller town due to higher property and tax costs. In order to remain competitive, doctors in urban areas may charge more to offset these expenses.
Pre- and Post-Operative Care
The cost of your Lasik surgery can be impacted by the type of antibiotic drops prescribed during pre-operative care. In addition, anxiety before the surgery may require a doctor’s visit and temporary medication to manage stress levels during the procedure.
Following surgery, mild painkillers may be necessary, costing approximately $10. After healing, you’ll need an eye exam which can cost around $10 without insurance. Yearly eye exams are recommended to ensure lasting results.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, seeking vision correction comes with a price tag. Whether you choose Lasik surgery, prescription glasses, or contacts, the cost can amount to several thousand dollars. Although Lasik is usually a one-time expense, the cost of glasses can add up over time.
On the bright side, insurance can help you cover these costs, regardless of your income level. At HCS Help, we offer various insurance options that cater to different financial situations. Don’t hesitate to call us today to explore your options and protect yourself from the financial burden of vision care.