What is LASIK and How Much Does It Cost?

James

4 MIN. READ

Key takeaways:

LASIK, a popular surgical procedure, reshapes the cornea and fixes a wide range of refractive errors, eliminating the need for glasses and contacts.
Not everyone is a candidate. Things like age, eye health, and prescription stability matter.
The cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 per eye, depending on the technology used.
You can save on LASIK with a Unity Vision plan.

LASIK is one of the most common surgical procedures. This popular alternative to glasses and contacts corrects refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, offering long-term benefits with minimal invasiveness.

If you’re thinking about LASIK, it’s important to understand how this procedure works, who is a good candidate, and how much LASIK typically costs.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. In other words, it’s a procedure that removes tissue from your cornea with a laser.

Refractive errors (like nearsightedness or farsightedness) happen because the cornea distorts the light that goes through it. By reshaping the cornea, LASIK can correct how light travels through it.

This means a simple and minimally invasive 30-minute procedure can fix a refractive error, and you won’t have to wear glasses or contacts anymore.

Can Everyone Get LASIK?

LASIK isn’t for everyone, and you’ll have to speak with an eye health professional to determine if you’re a good candidate.

LASIK works well for farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism, even if you need a strong correction.

However, it may not be a good option if you have presbyopia, which occurs when the lens of the eye loses flexibility. Keep in mind that a monovision LASIK treatment may help some presbyopia patients, so it’s still worth bringing it up next time you get an eye exam.

Generally, you’re not a good LASIK candidate if:

You have thin or irregular corneas.
You are under 18.
Your vision prescription recently changed (common among young patients).
You have dry eyes.
You’ve had LASIK before.
You have a health condition.

That being said, treatment options are evolving, and other forms of refractive surgery may be a good match for you if you have irregular corneas or dry eyes.

Understanding the Different Types of Refractive Surgical Procedures

LASIK is a broad term that encompasses various procedures. Here are the most common:

With Standard LASIK, an eye surgeon uses a small blade to open the cornea and removes tissues with a laser.
Bladeless LASIK replaces the blade with a laser incision.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) removes a layer of corneal tissue without making an incision first. It may be a good treatment option if you have dry eyes.
Wavefront-guided and topography-guided LASIK use advanced methods to map out the cornea. Thanks to these technologies, LASIK may still be an option even if you have irregular corneas.

An eye surgeon can recommend the best LASIK treatment for you.

How Much Does LASIK Cost?

The cost of LASIK is typically $2,000 to $2,500 per eye, but it can range from $1,500 to $5,000 per eye. The procedure type and your specific needs can impact this price.

LASIK is a permanent procedure. Once you get it, you should still get eye exams regularly to monitor your eye health, but you’ll save money since you won’t have to buy glasses or contacts again. With some contact prescriptions costing close to $1,000 a year, LASIK can potentially save you money in the long term, without mentioning the added comfort and convenience of not wearing glasses or contacts.

Who Can Perform a LASIK Procedure?

Ophthalmologists with special training in eye surgery can perform LASIK procedures. If you’re interested in LASIK, the best thing to do is schedule an eye exam with your usual optometrist. Your optometrist will discuss your options, determine if you’re a good candidate, and recommend a professional or facility where you can get LASIK.

Can a Vision Plan Help You Save on LASIK?

It depends on the vision plan you have. In some cases, if LASIK is considered a medical necessity, you may get covered under your health plan.

However, LASIK is a cosmetic procedure in most cases. It means you may or may not get coverage under your vision plan:

Some plans may offer partial coverage for a percentage of the total cost.
Other plans may have a discount that helps you save a fixed amount on the procedure.

Note that you may have to get LASIK at a participating location to get these benefits from your vision plan. Take the time to review your vision coverage to better understand how you can save on LASIK.

Save on LASIK With Unity Vision

Unity Vision offers flexible eye health plans that adapt to your needs and budget. Some of our plans include savings and rebates on LASIK, and we partner with one of the largest networks of LASIK providers in Oklahoma, so you have convenient treatment options.

Find out more about our vision plans here.

FAQ

What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

How much does LASIK cost?
Depending on the procedure and your unique needs, the cost can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per eye, with the most common range being $2,000 to $2,500 per eye.

How long does LASIK take?
A LASIK procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes for both eyes, with the laser portion lasting only a few minutes per eye.

How long does it take to recover from LASIK?
Many people notice improved vision within 24 hours, but full healing can take several weeks. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions to support recovery.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
Good candidates are adults with stable vision, healthy eyes, and no underlying conditions like thin corneas or severe dry eye. A consultation with an eye care professional is required.