What Is The Average Cost Of Lasik Eye Surgery?

The cost of lasik eye surgery can vary from clinic to clinic. Why? While issues such as safety and effectiveness come under the regulation of the FDA, it does not control the marketing of this procedure.

It makes sense to check comparitive information from the various doctors and clinics operating in your area.

A good decision is based on a little “market research”. When you are going through the consideration process, you need to find out what the average cost of lasik eye surgery is going to be included in the price can help you to choose the best eye center or doctor.

Never settle for the first eye center you come upon.You've got to continually keep in mind you have only one pair of eyes and your decision will affect you for the rest of your life. The fantasy of Star Trek's Jordie La Forge, who is the Enterprise's blind chief engineer but with the aid of technology via a band he wears across his eyes; has perfect vision... that hopefully will happen sometime in the future. Be very diligent in your final choice of doctor.

During the past year prices have been steadily rising, on the one hand because new procedures are used such as “custom LASIK” which is more expensive than traditional LASIK, and on the other hand new technologies such as intralase technology, increases procedures costs.

In 2002 the average cost of lasik eye surgery was between $1,550 and $1,600, but by October 2003 the average had risen to $1,710. At the end of 2004 the average cost of lasik eye surgery was a little over $1,800, and in 2005 it was $1,965.

There Is A Variation In Prices - Why?

One reason prices vary is that different providers perform different levels of preoperative testing so it is very important you should determine if in the quoted price are included appropriate testing.

Also the cost of testing and surgery equipment varies widely. Technologies for tear film analysis, eye tracking, and measurements of corneal thickness, the laser and corneal topography and pupil size, are available at various prices and are reflected in the procedure fees.

You've Located A Surgeon - What Are You Paying For?

Refractive surgery fees should cover a variety of costs such as lease or purchase and maintenance of the laser, corneal ring segments, microkeratome and/or other devices used. The excimer laser manufacturer receives a royalty fee of $100 to $150 per eye to develop the machine. If it’s a custom procedure the royalty fee per eye is between $145 and $250, depending on the laser manufacturer.

In the cost of lasik surgery are also included masks, gloves, gowns and other items to make sure the operation is kept sterile.

And let us not forget about surgical solutions, medications and microkeratome blades used during the surgery; office and surgical staff benefits and salaries, office equipment, rent, and office administration; insurance, patient acquisition costs, which include seminars and advertising, and surgeon’s fees if he or she is not on staff.

The average cost of lasik eye surgery continues to rise because of the popularity of the procedure. Good marketing practices have certainly brought it to attention of those requiring it. It has brought excellent vision back to those who thought that their previous level of vision was what they were stuck with. But be very wary of those centers who who will advertise "20/20 vision or you get your money back." It continually amazes to see guarantees given in medicine when the reality is there are none. Just be careful. Good surgeons beat good prices anyday!