subject: How Much Does Lasik Eye Surgery Cost? [print this page] Most people believe LASIK eye surgery costs an arm and a leg. The truth is, when LASIK was first invented it was extremely expensive as most new procedures are. However, several years later the costs have dropped dramatically. The price you pay varies depending on many factors, such as the type of correction you need, the mapping and laser you choose, and the surgeons that perform the procedure.
Because the complexity of the surgery you will need is related to the severity of your correction, it is important you do not wait to make your decision. As the longer you live with eye problems the more complex your surgery becomes which in turn increases costs.
In doing your research as far as different mapping systems available you will learn that one of the best is considered to be wavefront. However, this is a more costly procedure. The actual surgical procedure will usually involve a mechanical blade like scalpel and a laser scalpel. Using only the mechanical scalpel is the least expensive method and can be estimated to cost somewhere around $1500. Use only the laser scalpel without the wavefront technology and you can expect to see the cost go up to $2000. Going for both the laser scalpel and wavefront mapping technology will cost you somewhere around $2500.
The surgeon you choose also plays a factor in your overall cost. As an experienced surgeon with a long-standing history in the community will generally charge more than others.
Overall the average price of LASIK eye surgery should fall somewhere near the ranges above. If you find a lower than average price, look deeper into what they are actually offering you because most likely they have omitted something. LASIK eye surgery is not a recommended area for price shopping, after all we are talking about your vision. It is our recommendation to pay for the best surgeon you can afford. San Diego LASIK eye surgeons tend to be some of the better surgeons in the nation.
Between 2006 and 2009 the average cost of LASIK eye surgery seemed to stabilize. In 2006, industry sources reported that the average cost of LASIK was around $2000. In 2007, the price was charted to have a small increase to around $2100, and in 2008 it was reported that the average cost rose by only $5, to $2105. The most recent 2009 report shows the average San Diego LASIK cost to be $2140. As you can see, over the last three years there has been no significant movement in the price.
It is important to understand that these costs can vary. All factors included, you can expect the price of LASIK eye surgery to fall between $1400 and $3600 per eye based on several different factors. These factors can include your particular prescription, your location, the surgeon you select, and the technology they use. Be aware, most surgeons don't charge separate fees for different technologies, instead their prices will be included and quoted as one single fee.
You should always do a significant amount of research before choosing a clinic to perform your surgery. Many people travel across the country to have their LASIK surgery performed only by a doctor they trust. If you are unsure where to begin looking, you may consider beginning with San Diego. As San Diego LASIK eye surgery surgeons have demonstrated exceptional LASIK skills that have resulted in amazing results.
