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If you’ve grown tired of wearing glasses or contacts, it might be time for a change. Glasses can get foggy (or you might even lose them), and contacts can get stuck or even tear. To avoid the day-to-day problems that can come with eyewear, some people choose LASIK to achieve clear vision without the struggle.
LASIK is a common and safe surgery. In fact, doctors perform about 600,000 LASIK surgeries in the United States every year. For most people, the surgery is able to give them 20/20 vision.1 Although LASIK can be expensive, many believe the investment is worth the benefits they enjoy.
What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a vision correction surgery that uses a laser to reshape your cornea (the clear front portion of the eye).2 It can help with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.3
The surgery involves using a femtosecond or microkeratome laser to create a thin flap in your cornea’s outer layer. The laser then removes tiny amounts of tissue from the underlying cornea, helping reshape it to fix your vision issue. The flap is then put back into place.2
Types
Since laser surgery was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999, it has evolved.4 Now, patients have a choice of different types of LASIK:
- Standard LASIK. A conventional form of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct common vision issues like nearsightedness and farsightedness2
- Wavefront-guided LASIK. Uses detailed corneal mapping to customize the laser treatment based on the eye’s unique imperfections5
- WaveLight® Plus LASIK. A newer option that creates a full 3D digital model of the eye for even more personalized correction6
The type of LASIK offered may vary depending on your surgeon and your specific vision needs.2
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
The national average cost* for standard LASIK in one eye is $1,560, but the cost can range from $1,230 to $2,625.7 The final price you’ll pay depends on various factors, including your prescription and the technology used.8
Average cost of LASIK by type
LASIK costs may also vary depending on the type you get.7
| Type of LASIK | Average cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (one eye) | $1,560 | $1,230 to $2,625 |
| Wavefront (one eye) | $1,926 | $1,480 to $3,737 |
| Bladeless (one eye) | $2,121 | $1,640 to $3,567 |
Average cost of LASIK by state/district
The cost may also vary depending on where you live. In the table below, you’ll find the average cost* for standard LASIK (per eye) for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.7
Calculate the cost for a standard LASIK procedure (per eye) near you*
Explore procedure costs in your area
| State/District | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,326.67 |
| Alaska | $1,890.00 |
| Arizona | $1,580.00 |
| Arkansas | $1,341.67 |
| California | $1,942.22 |
| Colorado | $1,575.00 |
| Connecticut | $1,621.67 |
| Delaware | $1,550.00 |
| District of Columbia | $2,051.67 |
| Florida | $1,572.78 |
| Georgia | $1,398.33 |
| Hawaii | $2,198.33 |
| Idaho | $1,583.33 |
| Illinois | $1,593.33 |
| Indiana | $1,420.00 |
| Iowa | $1,368.33 |
| Kansas | $1,391.67 |
| Kentucky | $1,421.67 |
| Louisiana | $1,435.00 |
| Maine | $1,553.33 |
| Maryland | $1,793.33 |
| Massachusetts | $2,038.33 |
| Michigan | $1,426.67 |
| Minnesota | $1,450.00 |
| Mississippi | $1,318.33 |
| Missouri | $1,383.33 |
| Montana | $1,523.33 |
| Nebraska | $1,388.33 |
| Nevada | $1,551.67 |
| New Hampshire | $1,611.67 |
| New Jersey | $1,675.00 |
| New Mexico | $1,428.33 |
| New York | $1,630.00 |
| North Carolina | $1,418.33 |
| North Dakota | $1,425.00 |
| Ohio | $1,463.33 |
| Oklahoma | $1,338.33 |
| Oregon | $1,663.33 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,513.33 |
| Rhode Island | $1,630.00 |
| South Carolina | $1,465.00 |
| South Dakota | $1,400.00 |
| Tennessee | $1,413.33 |
| Texas | $1,457.78 |
| Utah | $1,558.33 |
| Vermont | $1,620.00 |
| Virginia | $1,526.67 |
| Washington | $1,768.33 |
| West Virginia | $1,390.00 |
| Wisconsin | $1,446.67 |
| Wyoming | $1,461.67 |
Does Insurance Cover LASIK Costs?
Laser eye surgery is typically classified as an elective procedure, which means health insurance plans and Medicare usually don’t cover the cost.8 In other words, if your symptoms can be alleviated by glasses or contact lenses, Medicare and major insurance carriers won’t consider the laser surgery unless it’s medically necessary.9
Some vision-specific plans may offer discounts or partial coverage that help bring down the total out-of-pocket price. You might also be able to use an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HSA (Health Savings Account) to help cover some of the cost.8
How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work?
Getting LASIK is a simple process typically performed on an outpatient basis.2
Preparation
Your ophthalmologist will perform an in-depth eye exam to determine if you’re a good candidate. If you have certain conditions — like an eye infection, thin corneas, glaucoma or uncontrolled diabetes — you might not qualify.1
If you are a good candidate, your doctor will take measurements and map your cornea.3
Procedure
Before your surgery, your eyes will be numbed with eye drops. Your doctor will then put an eyelid holder and suction ring on your eye to prevent you from blinking or moving your eye.3
Your entire surgery will only take about 15 minutes, and you’ll typically feel only some pressure, but no pain.1
Potential Side Effects of LASIK
Even though LASIK is a safe and commonly performed procedure, it does have side effects — like any other surgery. These side effects might be temporary but, in rare cases, may last longer or become permanent:3
- Blindness (very rare)
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Diminished vision at night or in low light
- Double vision
- Dry eyes
- Eye infection
- Eye pain
- Pink or red patches on the whites of your eyes that fade with time
- Seeing halos around lights or glares in your vision
- Worsening vision
LASIK Recovery Timeline
After having the procedure, most people experience some improved vision immediately and may expect continued improvement and stabilization over the next few days, weeks and even months.10
Recovering from LASIK is straightforward.
- Plan to go home and rest or relax after your surgery.3
- For the first six to 12 hours, your eyes may feel dry and itchy, and your vision may be more sensitive to the light or even blurry.10
- You’ll meet with your surgeon the next day. Most people may drive and go to work the day after their surgery.11
- For the first few days, your doctor may want you to wear a protective shield over your eye while you’re sleeping.3
- For the first couple of weeks, avoid anything that can put pressure on your eye, like strenuous sports, water activities or heavy lifting.10
- At about six months, your vision should have reached full improvement.10
How Can I Pay for LASIK Eye Surgery?
When it comes to paying for LASIK eye surgery, there are several options you might consider.8
- Billing plan. Ask your provider if they offer a payment plan for LASIK surgery.8
- Credit card. A general purpose credit card with low-interest financing may be an option.
- HSA or FSA. You may also be able to use a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for the LASIK procedure.8
- Out of pocket. If you have the funds readily available, some providers may offer a discount for paying in full.8
LASIK Surgery Is a Worthwhile Investment
Getting LASIK is simple and straightforward. Most people who have this surgery are able to achieve 20/20 vision or better.3 If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contacts and are looking for a more permanent solution, this could be a good choice for you. Talk to your ophthalmologist to find out if you’d make a suitable candidate.
Financing LASIK Eye Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card
If you’d like to be less dependent on glasses or contact lenses, you may want to consider taking the first step to determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Schedule an appointment for an eye exam and a pre-operative consultation with your eye doctor, who can review your eye health and answer your questions. Remember that the CareCredit credit card provides a convenient option for financing not only your LASIK consultation and procedure but other vision care too.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a vision specialist near you that accepts CareCredit.
Continue to invest in your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to easily manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
In addition to vision care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Author Bio
Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.
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