LASIK surgery is one of the most effective, long-term solutions for vision refractive error. In fact, because of its benefits, many view the cost of LASIK surgery as an investment in their health.
On average, the procedure is done at least 700,000 times annually across the United States, and it’s only seen to grow in the coming years. Data Bridge Market Research projects that the market for LASIK surgery is estimated to balloon to around USD 4 billion by 2030. However, as this points to an apparent demand, it also questions the costs of the procedure.
With affordability as one of the frequently reported barriers for patients seeking LASIK surgery treatment, it’s becoming increasingly important that clinics and practitioners help bridge the gap. Not only will it help patients access more effective treatment, but it also offers economic benefits for them.
To better understand how invaluable of an investment the procedure is, we discuss the factors affecting its pricing and how LASIK compares with other alternatives in terms of practicality.
Factors Influencing the Cost of LASIK
LASIK eye surgery is an investment in eye health that you can’t put an exact price tag on as it offers unique and invaluable advantages. Hence, you’ll often find yourself hearing variations in how specific clinics price their services for LASIK.
To better understand your investment, we discuss some factors that affect the pricing for LASIK eye surgery below.
- Surgeon’s Expertise. As the success of your LASIK surgery depends significantly on your surgeon’s experience, it is one of the foremost considerations in pricing. Surgeons with years of experience conducting thousands of LASIK surgeries, like Dr. Manger, guarantee the best outcomes for each patient and thus offer value like no other.
With success rates as high as these experienced surgeons, you avoid the need for repeat procedures and, at most, get the best quality vision after your surgery. In fact, 99.7% of Dr. Manger’s patients achieve 20/20 or better vision (the remainder get 20/30 or better).
- Technology and Equipment. Next to your surgeon’s expertise is the quality of equipment used at the clinics you visit. The more advanced lasers a clinic has available to them, the more precision and safety it ensures, leading to better outcomes.
Clinics that invest in the latest technology are worth paying the price for LASIK as they exhaust every measure to deliver accurate results for you.
- Added Value on Preoperative and Postoperative Care. Some clinics go the extra mile to give you a LASIK surgery experience unlike any other. They’ll offer you comprehensive preoperative tests and care that enhances the overall outcome of your treatment.
Post-operatively, they can also schedule rides or accommodations if you travel far away to visit their clinic. Saddleback Eye Center is among the few that offer the option of a complimentary hotel stay on the evening of the procedure for those who come from outside of the local area.
This list above should give you a rough idea of what to look for when considering the value of your LASIK eye surgery. While there will be some variances in pricing, you must be aware of what you can get from your investment on top of the outright benefits of LASIK surgery.
Some clinics can offer competitive prices but deliver experiences that might fall short of your expectations and cost you. Meanwhile, opting for a clinic that goes above and beyond your expectations will do more than justify your costs and end up pleasing you with great experiences.
Now, let’s compare how LASIK’s value measures up in terms of value against other alternatives.
LASIK Versus Traditional Alternatives to Vision Correction
Industry experts estimate that LASIK costs less than the average person spends on glasses, contacts, and eye exams over 5 -10 years. Hence, LASIK may pay for itself sooner than the alternative options.
If you have astigmatism or progressive vision errors, prescription glasses or contacts mean you must pay each time you consult or adjust them. This leads to repeat purchases that could pile up over time, depending on your needs.
The table below summarizes the estimated costs for each alternative over a few years. Based on these numbers, you could spend roughly USD 4,000 on glasses or contacts in a decade, assuming that the costs stay at USD 400 annually.
Cost Comparison
| Correction Method | Cost (per year) | Frequency of Updates | Description |
| Glasses | $200-$500 | Every 1-2 years | Includes the cost of frames, lenses, and lens coatings or enhancements. |
| Contact Lenses | $250-$700 | Monthly or Bi-Annually | Includes the cost of lenses, solutions, and cases. |
| Prescription Sunglasses | $150-$400 | Every 2-3 years | Specialized eyewear for driving or outdoor activities. |
| Specialty Contacts | $300-$800 | Monthly or Bi-Annually | For conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia. |
Contacts and Glasses Calculator
The cost calculator we provide below will give you a better estimate of your contacts and glasses costs. If you’re looking at the costs in the short term, they will seem smaller than the cost of LASIK.
But from a long-term view, you’ll find that eventually, the costs of alternative lenses may be similar to (or even more than) the surgery.
Long-term Savings With LASIK
Choosing LASIK can provide substantial long-term savings. Beyond the financial aspect, the benefits include improved quality of life, convenience, and increased confidence.
With LASIK, you eliminate the need for constant updates and replacements of glasses and contacts, allowing you to enjoy clear vision without recurring costs. This one-time investment saves money in the long run and enhances your daily experiences, making it a worthwhile consideration.
Financing Options
In addition to considering the costs, you may wonder how to finance your procedure if you lean more toward the option.
Below are several financing options available to make LASIK eye surgery more affordable:
- 18- Month, 0% Interest Financing: Some clinics, including Saddleback Eye Center, offer 0% interest financing for up to 18 months, allowing you to break the cost into manageable payments without paying interest.
- Extended Payment Plans: 3, 4, or even 5-year financing plans are available at many clinics, including Saddleback Eye Center. No down payment is often required, and the monthly cost can be less than a typical phone bill.
- Health Savings Account (HSA): You can use funds from your HSA to cover the cost of LASIK. HSAs offer tax advantages and are a convenient way to pay for medical expenses.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA): An FSA allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical expenses, including LASIK. Check with your employer to see if this option is available to you.
Final Thoughts
When considering the cost of LASIK surgery, prices won’t vary drastically if we’re talking about the bare minimum services that come as a part of the standard. But because LASIK already entails a hefty investment, prudence is critical to ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Hence, when choosing a clinic or surgeon to perform the procedure, you must practice checking for additional benefits and advantages that come with them. A good clinic will offer you the standards in practice; an excellent clinic will provide more.
In that regard, you are welcome to call us and consult with Dr. Manger himself about how we can strategize to maximize your investment in LASIK surgery today.
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