Figuring out the cost of LASIK eye surgery is an important step in planning for laser vision correction. There are many factors to consider when deciding on LASIK that can help you understand the costs better, as well as help you justify the cost associated with this procedure. We can help you answer the question: “How much does LASIK cost?”
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery, a procedure performed by an eye doctor that typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete. This fast and painless procedure is used to treat common vision problems such as astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. You may ask your LASIK surgeon if they perform custom LASIK surgeries, as well. A custom LASIK surgery involves more detail on your surgeon’s part and allows certain eye problems to be corrected, such as poor night vision and glare.
Benefits of LASIK vision correction
There are numerous benefits of LASIK eye surgery that many may be unaware of.
- Reduced Eye Care Costs: There are a lot of expenses that come with poor vision, and many of these expenses are not thought about or accounted for. While one pair of glasses or contact lenses may not seem expensive, other costs such as glasses cases, back-up glasses, prescription sunglasses, cleaning fluid, and contact solutions are all purchases made frequently. LASIK, on the other hand, is a one-time expense that guarantees clearer vision.
- Instant Results: The terms “laser” and “eye” may make the squeamish person think twice about the LASIK procedure. However, this 10-15 minute surgery is quick and painless. This, paired with the fact that LASIK is a permanent solution, should put your worries to rest. There is nothing better than being able to wake up in the morning and see clearly right in front of you. No more stumbling over things searching for your glasses or blurry mornings waiting until you can put your contacts in.
- Greater Comfort: You may be considering LASIK for the simple fact that other vision correction options have failed you in terms of comfort. Perhaps your face shape does not properly suit glasses, or you have dry eye problems that make contacts painful. If you suffer from these issues, you are a great candidate for LASIK eye surgery, a procedure that would no doubt improve your quality of life.
Are The Benefits Worth The Cost?
While laser eye surgery sounds like it would haul a daunting price tag, it can actually save you money in the long-run when taking into consideration the amount of money that is spent on other avenues of vision correction throughout one’s lifetime. You can calculate how much money laser eye surgery can save you by filling out the LASIK affordability calculator. You may be able to save an estimated $60,000 or more throughout your lifetime, depending on how much you currently spend on prescriptions and appointments.
While the LASIK procedure may cost more than one pair of glasses or contact lenses, the benefits and long-term savings may outweigh the initial cost. For example, you may not be able to wear glasses most of the time due to your active lifestyle. Contacts also may not be an option for those whose eyes dry out easily or are very sensitive to foreign objects such as contact lenses.
Finally, you may be asking “How much does LASIK cost?” There are a few options available to you that may vary the amount you actually pay for the procedure. This is why you should consider your financing options.
Financing Options
The price for LASIK can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per eye. Laser eye surgery is widely considered an out-of-pocket expense and therefore is not covered by many insurance providers’ health plans. However, while options vary, there are a few ways one can finance their surgery without paying full price out-of-pocket.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
One option that you may utilize in financing your surgery is a health savings account. In return for paying higher deductibles, an HSA plan would make something like laser eye surgery much more affordable, and funds contributed to your HSA are not taxed at the federal level.
Taxes
While LASIK eye surgery is not tax free, it is tax deductible, meaning that you may be eligible to have all or part of your procedure refunded.
Flexible spending accounts
If your employer offers the option of a flexible spending account (FSA), you will be able to withdraw from that account for the purpose of laser eye surgery.
In the end, vision is priceless, and your eyes should be valued as highly as any other vital part of the body.
Qualifying for LASIK
While it is important to know how you will be able to finance your LASIK surgery, there are certain preliminary requirements that need to be assessed in order for you to qualify for surgery. Here are a few:
- Must be 18 years or older
- You may not qualify if you have certain eye injuries or severe ailments affecting the eyes
- Must have sufficiently thick corneas
- You may not qualify if your prescription is very high
- Must have stable vision for at least 1 year
These are some common requirements for approval of surgery, but each case is unique. To understand if you qualify for this procedure, you can make an appointment with your eye doctor.
The Next Steps
Ready to take the next steps to 20/20 vision? You can visit your local eye center and schedule a consultation. Mattioli Vision Professionals offers a free LASIK consultation to those who are interested in improving their vision through laser eye surgery.
