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LASIK,
short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a type of refractive
surgery that reshapes the cornea of the eye in order to correct myopia,
hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is an outpatient procedure that is performed
by a refractive surgeon.
LASIK
costs vary widely depending on the area of the country in which LASIK is
performed and the degree of your refractive error. The cost of LASIK can
range anywhere from $499 per eye to $2,500 per eye. The cost of LASIK
correction depends on the procedure and on the physician's experience.
The
cost also depends on what's included in the vision correction package. Many
doctors include pre-operative and post-operative care as well as one-year to
lifetime warranties. So when shopping around, make sure you're comparing the
same packages. On average, in the U.S.,
the cost of LASIK surgery is $2,000 per eye.
However, it is important to remember that you should not choose your LASIK
surgeon solely on the basis of cost of LASIK surgery. It is also good to
consider the skill of your ophthalmologist. A less skilled ophthalmologist
may charge a lower cost of LASIK, but he may not have the same experience,
training, or precise equipment as a more expensive doctor. Many experts
recommend avoiding discount laser eye surgery centers and rely heavily on
aggressive advertising campaigns. On the other side of the coin, paying more
for the cost of LASIK does not mean that you will get the best surgeon. To
ensure that you find a skilled refractive surgeon to perform your LASIK eye
surgery, spend ample time researching the credentials of the eye surgeons in
your area.
You'll find that there are doctors who charge less and there are doctors who
charge more although it's only natural that you want to get the best price.
Remember, you also have to think about quality and service. After all, this
is a procedure you'll likely have only once in your lifetime, and your
vision is one of your most important assets.
A
holdback for many people considering LASIK is its cost. LASIK is considered
an elective procedure by most medical insurers and is thus not covered under
the majority of insurance policies. Nevertheless, financing options for the
cost of LASIK are available for most patients. If you would like to be able
to pay the cost of LASIK or another refractive surgery treatment, then you
need to weigh your financing options.
You could also talk over cost of LASIK with your doctor. Eye surgeons
usually have several payment options for their patients to make the cost of
LASIK more affordable. Many surgeons work with local and national banks to
provide low interest monthly payment plans, or allow patients to pay for the
procedure in installments.
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