Evaluating The Cost Of LASIK Eye Surgery
If you are wondering about the cost of LASIK eye surgery, it does differ somewhat according to where you live. The cost also depends on the surgeon’s experience and the technology that he will be using. A final factor is the amount of correction that will need to be done on your eyes.
The bottom line is that the cost can vary anywhere for five hundred dollars to twenty-five hundred dollars per eye. Of course, you should not choose surgeons based on cost alone. Lower costs may mean a less skilled surgeon or one who is using less precise equipment.
LASIK runs a little more in metropolitan areas that it does in some other areas. Part of the reason for this is that doctors working in metropolitan areas must have the newest technology to remain competitive. Even with this variation, the average cost of LASIK eye surgery is consistent from one region of the nation to another. For some people, the newer technology is worth the increase in price.
Be sure that the price you are quoted includes everything you will need for the surgery. Otherwise you may find a few surprise bills that appear in your mailbox after the surgery or when you need to go for follow up care. You should know what you are paying for before writing any checks or signing any paperwork. You will appreciate that you took the time to find this information before the surgery so that you are not surprised by bills.
Newer technology will cost you more. If your doctor uses the technology that allows him to cut the flap in your eye with a laser instead of a knife, the surgery will cost more. If he uses wavefront technology to map your cornea, it is going to cost more. Each of these technologies can add an additional cost of two to five hundred dollars for each eye, so you could easily add two thousand dollars to the overall cost of LASIK eye surgery just by adding these two technologies.
A word to the wise, some laser eye surgery centers may advertise very low prices, but require additional services that will cost your more than the advertised fee. In fact, you may find that their fees add up to more than a doctor with a much better reputation down the street. Other surgeons have a advertised price that only includes minimal correction to the eyes. Most people seeking LASIK need more than a minimal correction, so the fee can be much more than that advertised. Do not forget, you always have the option of seeking a second opinion.
Sometimes the surgeon charging the lower fee lacks the experience of the more expensive surgeons. Find out why his fee is less than everyone else.
Just because you choose the most expensive surgeon is also no guarantee that your surgeon is the best either. Be sure that you check out the LASIK surgeon you are planning to use. Seek the recommendation of friends and family ass well as your optometrist and your family doctor. Take the time to check the records of complaints against the surgeon with your state medical board.