The True Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery in 2023
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The cost of LASIK eye surgery in 2023 varies widely, from $1,500 to $3,500 per eye. The large range in costs is due to many factors that are unique to each provider and procedure.
Several factors determine the final cost of LASIK surgery. This includes factors that vary greatly between providers, such as:
- The doctor’s level of experience and expertise
- The quality and effectiveness of the specific type of procedure and technologies used
- Whether the provider offers any ongoing support, such as a lifetime commitment for free enhancements. This can be of great value, as the eyes change naturally over decades
- Other factors discussed in this article, including the degree of the patient’s refractive error and geographical location
These factors affect surgical outcomes, and your vision for the rest of your life.
While considering the cost of LASIK, keep in mind that the vast majority of patients no longer require glasses or contacts after the procedure.
For most people, that means saving tens of thousands of dollars over their lifetimes.
As a helpful reference point, an analysis published by Clinical Ophthalmology in 2021 estimates that surgeons charged an average of $2,632 per eye in the United States during 2020.
Since then, no other high quality studies on price have been conducted. However, there is good reason to believe that the average cost is similar in 2023. LASIK eye surgery costs have changed little over many years.
While price shopping is tempting, it is often a dangerous approach.
The lowest cost providers almost always use outdated procedures like bladed surgery, and the surgeons may be less experienced, decreasing success rates and increasing the risk of complications. Generally, the risk of complications with a typical LASIK provider is extremely low.
According to an NVISION study, higher-quality LASIK eye surgery providers often achieve 20/20 vision in more than 98% of their patients and are worth the higher investment.
NVISION Eye Centers achieves 20/20 vision or better in 99% of LASIK procedures due to highly experienced surgeons and cutting edge technology such as Contoura Vision® Topography Guided LASIK. Plus, with financing available, you can spread the cost over time.
Table of Contents
How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in 2023?
Costs can range between $1,500 to $3,500 per eye. On average, LASIK surgery costs $2,632 per eye, based on research performed by Clinical Ophthalmology.
Key Information About the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery
- On average, people pay between $1,500 to $3,000 per eye in 2023. The average cost of LASIK hasn’t changed much in 20 years, despite advancements in technology and quality.
- LASIK eye surgery fees vary due to several factors, including geography, surgeon experience, depth of exam, patient’s prescription, quality of technology used, surgery type, and on-going support programs.
- Some practices and surgeons use bait-and-switch marketing tactics to lure people into their clinics by advertising bargain-bin prices. These often involve advertising prices as low as $1,000 per eye. When a patient arrives, they will find many ‘add-on’ charges ultimately leading to higher costs.
- However, reputable providers do often offer LASIK discounts to help lower the cost of surgery. Shopping for specials with companies you trust could help you keep LASIK within your budget.
- LASIK prices often include preoperative and postoperative care. This includes eye drops, medications and, sometimes, free enhancements if issues ever arise. Ensure that you understand exactly what is and is not covered before your surgery starts.
Today’s surgeries represent an incredible value to patients when compared to the past. If you were worried about spending $2,000 on an experimental surgery in the 1990s, you should feel great spending roughly the same today (accounting for inflation) for a tried-and-tested surgical procedure with sophisticated equipment used by experienced doctors. Everything has changed but the price.
What’s Typically Included in the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK providers often give patients one price for LASIK eye surgery. That cost should generally includes these elements:
- Consultation and evaluation by a surgeon
- Initial LASIK surgery
- Follow-up appointments
Be sure to ask the right questions so you know what’s covered. Your surgeon should explain exactly what your flat fee covers and when you’re expected to pay, so you don’t face nasty surprises as you heal.
Medications required after surgery and enhancement procedures to touch up your original surgery are rarely included within flat-fee pricing for LASIK.
NVISION offers a lifetime commitment guarantee, ensuring you get the vision correction you want and maintain it for a lifetime. If you need an enhancement after your LASIK surgery, and you meet our requirements, you won’t get billed for it. Our Vision for Life program is just one way we stand behind our team and our successes.
Other Factors That Can Influence the Cost of LASIK
How much will your LASIK eye surgery cost? Your price can vary for several reasons, including some that are within your control and others that are not.
The following factors could make your final price higher or lower than the national average:
Geographic Location and Overhead
Where you live and how much it costs to live there plays a meaningful role in your LASIK eye surgery cost.
Surgery centers require office space, and real estate costs can factor into the cost of your LASIK procedure.
LASIK providers also need staff, and if offices are situated in neighborhoods with a high cost of living, their staff requires a higher salary. For example, a professional living in Oklahoma can rent an apartment for $550, but a similar spot in New York costs $3,260. Higher staff prices could be reflected in your bill.
We examined average LASIK costs across the United States in 2023. Our results are reflected in this table, but be aware that many in-state variations between providers exist as well. These are relative estimates of prices across the country to help you prepare.
| LASIK Eye Surgery Cost by State (2023 Averages Per Eye) | |||||
| Alabama | $2,250 | Louisiana | $2,000 | Ohio | $2,300 |
| Alaska | $2,566 | Maine | $2,000 | Oklahoma | $2,000 |
| Arizona | $2,495 | Maryland | $2,100 | Oregon | $2,250 |
| Arkansas | $2,645 | Massachusetts | $3,000 | Pennsylvania | $2,250 |
| California | $3,000 | Michigan | $2,200 | Rhode Island | $2,000 |
| Colorado | $2,000 | Minnesota | $3,000 | South Carolina | $2,200 |
| Connecticut | $2,500 | Mississippi | $2,000 | South Dakota | $2,000 |
| Delaware | $2,050 | Missouri | $2,100 | Tennessee | $2,250 |
| Florida | $2,900 | Montana | $2,000 | Texas | $2,100 |
| Georgia | $2,000 | Nebraska | $3,000 | Utah | $2,550 |
| Hawaii | $2,240 | Nevada | $2,500 | Vermont | $2,250 |
| Idaho | $2,000 | New Hampshire | $2,000 | Virginia | $2,000 |
| Illinois | $2,700 | New Jersey | $2,250 | Washington | $2,400 |
| Indiana | $2,400 | New Mexico | $3,250 | West Virginia | $2,100 |
| Iowa | $1,983 | New York | $2,500 | Wisconsin | $2,600 |
| Kansas | $2,468 | North Carolina | $2,000 | Wyoming | $2,000 |
| Kentucky | $2,000 | North Dakota | $2,100 | ||
Type of LASIK Performed
The type of LASIK surgery your doctor performs has a deep impact on the price you pay. Newer techniques require more sophisticated equipment and advanced training, so they tend to cost more.
These procedures also tend to have better patient outcomes with fewer complication rates, so they’re often worth the added price.
NVISION doctors only use the most advanced laser and diagnostic technology. In fact, our team played a pivotal role in the creation and development of equipment used in advanced vision procedures across the country today.
Three major types of LASIK are performed within the United States. This table can help you understand how each one is priced.
| LASIK Cost by Surgery Type | ||
| Cost of LASIK By Type | Description | Average Cost (Per Eye) |
| Conventional LASIK | A handheld blade creates the corneal flap to expose tissues, and a laser reshapes them as guided by the surgeon. | $1,677 |
| Bladeless LASIK | A laser makes the corneal flap, and a second laser reshapes exposed tissues. This method comes with lower complication rates and higher accuracy. | $2,119 |
| Contoura Vision LASIK | This type provides a personalized treatment approach by measuring over 22,000 elevation points on the cornea. | $2,500 |
Quality of Provider & Reputation
More than 70% of patients read online ratings before they book appointments with a new healthcare provider.
They can also give competitive discounts, as they often have enough patients to warrant lowering their marketing budgets. They can pass those savings to patients.
Surgeon Experience & Credentials
Researchers say about 700 ophthalmologists perform about 80% of laser eye surgeries. A very experienced surgeon can perform the procedure quickly and see far more patients. They can charge less per surgery as a result. But some charge more, as their experience puts them in high demand.
While many people examine the brand carefully, they may not ask about the doctor’s expertise before the surgery starts. It’s always best to understand how many surgeries your doctor has performed, so you can make the best decision about your future.
Tom Tooma, M.D., founder and medical director of NVISION, has performed more than 130,000 LASIK surgeries, making him a true pioneer in the industry and the most experienced LASIK surgeon in the western United States.
Required Vision Correction
Some centers offer lower pricing based on the required vision correction patients need. The smaller the correction required, the lower the price.
This pricing scheme makes sense, as small corrections can be completed quickly and often come with fewer complications. But be aware that low-cost LASIK with heavy discounts can come with strings.
Some providers could entice you with a low price that few (to no) people qualify for. And if you do, the clinic might use out-of-date technology.
Does Insurance Cover LASIK?
Since there are other options to address vision like glasses and contacts, most insurance companies consider LASIK surgery an elective procedure and will not cover it.
In some rare instances, insurance companies form partnerships with select LASIK providers and offer discounts of 15% to 30% on surgeries. While your insurance plan doesn’t cover the surgery, your membership ensures the discount.
VSP Coverage
Vision Services Plan (VSP) is one of the largest vision benefits companies in the United States. If you have this type of insurance, you’re likely eligible for discounted LASIK surgery with companies that have partnered with VSP. You could save money while working with a reputable company that can improve your vision.
If you’re part of a VSP plan, check the VSP members page to find out more about discounts available to you through VSP and NVISION.
HSAs & FSAs
When considering how to pay for LASIK, two options worth considering are health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
These are two tax-advantaged accounts that can effectively be used to pay for a variety of health costs (and other costs, in the case of FSAs) before your income is taxed. This can sometimes result in thousands of dollars in savings per year, depending on your tax bracket and expenses.
HSAs
An HSA is designed to pay for health costs, and it is available to people with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). HDHPs are insurance plans that are usually low in monthly cost but have the disadvantage of a high deductible, meaning they can be expensive for people who experience unexpected health complications.
HSAs allow you to contribute to an account that can be used to pay for various health expenses (including LASIK), with the money rolling over each year. Over time, this can allow you to have substantial savings built up, tax-free, which can make paying for health expenses easier as you get older or start a family.
FSAs
An FSA is a type of account almost anyone can open regardless of your insurance plan’s specifics. It shares similarities to an HSA, in which the money put into the account is untaxed and can help pay for a variety of medical expenses.
Only some of the money in your account can roll over each year. You can plan around this fact and buy essentials you expect your household will need if you have significant funds remaining as the year’s end approaches.
Financing Options for LASIK
Another option when considering LASIK eye surgery is financing.
Financing a LASIK procedure involves taking out a loan, or using a similar process, to pay for the cost upfront. You will then pay the company you financed with a comparatively small amount each month rather than needing to pay the full cost of LASIK all at once.
Some LASIK financing options allow you to finance with the LASIK company directly or work with providers that make financing easier. You can also use the services of a third-party company, many of which have systems explicitly in place to help people pay for these kinds of procedures.
As with all financing, make sure to carefully read the terms and research your options. Many good financing options are available for LASIK, some providing 0% interest at $0 down for multiple years.
Pay close attention to the final cost of any option you choose. A total significantly above the initial cost of a LASIK procedure usually signals it is not a good option.
Beware of Very Low-Cost LASIK & Bargains
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warns that patients should examine too-good-to-be-true deals very carefully. They often come with budget-busting shocks.
For example, the FTC took action against a clinic offering LASIK surgeries for $250. This LASIK 250 campaign had limits about who could participate, and those limits were so strict that almost no one qualified.
A bargain-priced surgery could cost you more in the end. Some of the risks include:
- Hidden fees: You might be asked to pay for your examinations, the use of the laser, or a nurse’s time.
- A surgeon with less experience: A doctor with little expertise could make a mistake in your procedure, requiring another surgery you’d be asked to pay for.
- Outdated technology: A certain type of laser might not be appropriate for your needed correction.
- Limitations: Your doctor might charge more for anything other than a very mild correction.
Questions to Ask Your LASIK Surgeon or Center
It’s important to ask questions initially, so you’re fully aware of what costs to expect and how your surgery will progress.
These are a few examples of good questions to ask your surgeon after the initial consultation:
- What is included in my LASIK price?
- Can I have a printed estimate?
- Are both eyes covered?
- Are there any other costs not included that I should be aware of? Are there additional costs that might be added during or after my surgery?
- Does my vision insurance apply? Do I have insurance-related discounts?
- What about postoperative care and lifetime enhancements? Are those included?
Is LASIK Worth the Cost?
LASIK eye surgery is an investment for a lifetime of freedom from glasses and contacts. When you consider the cost of glasses and contacts per year, it only takes four or five years of not paying for glasses and contacts to pay for your LASIK procedure. In addition to the lifetime savings, you will have a lifestyle of freedom from having to wear corrective lenses. At NVISION, we also believe that LASIK is safer than wearing contact lenses. Long-term contact lens wear increases the likelihood of developing dry eyes.
Dr. Tooma, Founder of NVISION Eye Centers and World-renowned LASIK Surgeon
LASIK surgery is a big expense. But it comes with so many benefits, including the following:
- Cost savings: You’re not required to buy new glasses, contacts, or contact solutions regularly.
- Time savings: If you spend an average of 10 minutes cleaning your contacts daily, you’ll get more than 300 hours of free time every year.
- Fewer hassles: Glasses fog when you’re wearing a mask, scarf, or high collar. Contacts can slip and slide around on your eye when you blink or cry. Those problems fade away after LASIK.
Deciding to get LASIK is a very personal decision. Ultimately, whether LASIK is worth it for you depends on many factors, including:
- The cost of your preferred eyewear option
- The cost of alternative eyewear options
- How often you purchase replacement eyewear
- The reason you want LASIK
- How much you value convenience
Use this LASIK savings calculator to learn more about the potential savings that LASIK can provide over the course of your lifetime. You might be surprised at the money you’ll save.
How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost at NVISION Eye Centers?
Your NVISION LASIK surgery cost includes the following:
- Experience: We have performed over 2 million procedures, and our doctors are the most experienced, educated, and caring professionals in the eye care industry.
- Coverage: We offer coverage throughout most of the United States to provide top-notch care to patients.
- Technology: We only use the most advanced laser and diagnostic technology available. This allows us to provide customized treatment plans for our patients.
- Patient care: Each individual is treated with care and compassion. They are not just another number in line. We offer customized treatment plans to fit your unique and specific needs.
- Lifetime commitment: The NVISION Lifetime Commitment gives you peace of mind, knowing that we are committed to your LASIK vision correction for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about the cost of LASIK surgery, and we’ve answered them below.
LASIK for astigmatism also costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per eye. This is an average, and your fees could be higher or lower.
LASIK for astigmatism also costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per eye. This is an average, and your fees could be higher or lower.
A LASIK consultation appointment is sometimes conducted free of charge. Otherwise it can cost anywhere from $200 – $500. Doctors use this time to assess your suitability for surgery. If you’re eligible and willing to go forward, the surgery can be scheduled.
Insurance companies consider LASIK an elective procedure. As a result, they rarely offer coverage for the surgery.
VSP can help you cover the cost of LASIK surgery, but costs still vary by provider. VSP offers discounts to all of its members, as well as the VSP Laser VisionCare Program. If you have opted into this program, follow the steps on the linked webpage.
NVISION Eye Centers is the only LASIK provider with a significant west coast presence that provides discounts to VSP members.
Few reputable providers are willing to haggle with their patients about the price of their work. They are professionals, not auctioneers. Don’t expect to get into a bidding war with a high-quality provider.
Most Medicare plans will not cover the full cost of LASIK surgery, but some rare exceptions exist.
References
- The 25th Anniversary of Laser Vision Correction in the United States. (March 2021). Clinical Ophthalmology.
- You Aren’t Charging Enough for LASIK. (November 2021). Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today.
- LASIK Outcomes: How Are We Doing and Can We Do Better? (August 2016). Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
- Seeing Isn’t Always Believing When It Comes to Ad Prices for LASIK Eye Surgery. (January 2023). Federal Trade Commission.
- How Much Does LASIK Cost? VSP Vision Care.
- United States Commercial Property Prices 2020: Per Square Foot. Offices.net.
- States with the Lowest Cost of Living 2023. World Population Review.
- Eye Surgery Clinics Industry Market Research Report. (July 2021). IBIS World.
- 72% of Patients View Online Reviews When Selecting a New Provider. (February 2022). TechTarget.
- Health Savings Account (HSA). HealthCare.gov.
- How Can I Pay for LASIK Surgery? (September 2021). Discover.
- Eighteen-Year Prospective Audit of LASIK Outcomes for Myopia in 53,731 Eyes. (2019). British Journal of Ophthalmology.
- Effect of Age on Visual and Refractive Results After LASIK: Mechanical Microkeratome Versus Femtosecond Laser. (March 2019). International Journal of Ophthalmology.
- Complications of Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. (June 2021). Indian Journal of Ophthalmology.
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