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.
Typically, the longer you suffer from eye problems, the more the costs increase. This is due to the fact that the complexity of your surgery is directly related to the severity of the correction that will be necessary.
There are several different types of mapping systems you will learn about. The best one is considered to be wavefront, however it is also one of the more expensive options. The surgical procedure will normally use a mechanical scalpel and a laser scalpel. If you choose to use a mechanical scalpel rather than the wavefront system you’re estimated cost will be around $1500. If you choose only the laser scalpel without using the wavefront system you can expect the price to increase to $2000. If you opt for both the laser scalpel and wavefront mapping system, you will typically see prices go up to $2500.
The surgeon you select to perform your LASIK eye surgery will also affect the cost. As a general rule, the more experienced the surgeon or the better the reputation to surgeon has, the higher fee they will charge for their service.
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.
Over the past four years to LASIK industry has seen a stabilization in the average price of the surgery. Beginning in 2006 this industry report showed the average cost of the LASIK procedure to be about $2000. The 2007 report showed a small increase to $2100. The 2008 report showed an almost disregard increase of a mere five dollars, and the 2009 report showed the average cost of San Diego LASIK to be $2140. Overall, the last three years have only shown an average increase in $40.
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.
Arthur Brown is a vision correction physician in California. He helps patients to understand their options and make the best decision for them.
