How Much is LASIK Eye Surgery in 2018?
How Much is LASIK Eye Surgery in 2018? The year 2018 marked a period of rapid advancement for LASIK eye surgery, but one question lingered: how much does it cost? This article delves into the heart of that very inquiry. We uncover what you could have expected to pay during this particular year, enabling you to make accurate comparisons with present-day prices.
As we journey through various elements influencing the cost, we’ll also shed light on the average price range at the time. For those curious about financing options available then and now, rest easy knowing we’ve got that covered too. So let’s dive right in and demystify how much LASIK eye surgery really cost in 2018!
Factors Affecting the Cost
To understand the cost of LASIK eye surgery in 2018, we must first dive into the key factors that influenced pricing. The geographical location was one significant aspect to consider. Just like any other product or service, prices varied depending on where you lived or where you chose to have your procedure.
Another crucial factor was the technology used for the treatment. In 2018, there were several types of LASIK procedures available and each came with its own price tag. Advanced technologies often translated into higher costs but also offered improved accuracy and better results.
The surgeon’s expertise significantly impacted the cost as well. Highly experienced surgeons who had performed numerous successful surgeries typically charged more than those just starting out in their careers. This is because seasoned professionals brought a wealth of knowledge and skill which increased chances of a successful outcome thereby contributing to their fee structure.
A fourth factor influencing cost related directly to patient care both pre-and post-operation. Some clinics included all aftercare visits within their quoted price while others charged additional fees for these services causing fluctuations in final bills.
Lastly, individual eyesight conditions played a role too; not all patients required same level of correction therefore treatments differed along with associated costs making it hard to standardize prices across different cases.
So there you have it – some fundamental factors that affected how much someone could expect to pay for LASIK eye surgery back in 2018! It’s worth noting though that these elements continue being relevant even today when considering pricing structures associated with this transformative procedure.
Average Price Range
When we talk about the cost of LASIK eye surgery in 2018, it’s important to understand that there was a range rather than one fixed price. The average price for this procedure usually fell somewhere between $1,000 and $4,000 per eye depending on various factors discussed earlier.
This range is an average estimate which means some clinics might have offered prices below or above these figures. It’s also crucial to remember that this is a per eye cost. Hence if you were looking into having both eyes corrected, you would need to essentially double these estimates.
The lower end of the spectrum typically involved traditional LASIK procedures performed using standard technology while higher-end costs associated more with advanced custom treatments like wavefront-guided LASIK. The latter provided enhanced precision thereby justifying its higher costs compared against conventional methods.
However, let’s not forget that LASIK does offer lifetime benefits such as eliminating need for glasses or contact lenses which when calculated over time could significantly offset upfront surgical expenses making it an attractive option despite its seemingly steep initial costs.
In conclusion, understanding this average price range can give prospective patients a ballpark figure helping them plan financially for their vision correction journey. It’s always advisable though to get personalized quotes from several providers before finalizing any decisions since individual requirements may vary greatly impacting overall treatment expense.
Financing Options
Even with understanding the average cost of LASIK eye surgery in 2018, it’s still a significant expense. However, there were several financing options available to help patients manage these costs effectively. Below we explore some popular methods that could have made this life-changing procedure more affordable.
- Insurance Coverage: While most insurance companies did not cover LASIK as they considered it cosmetic rather than medically necessary, certain plans might offer partial coverage or discounts on this procedure.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): If you had an HSA in 2018, you could use pre-tax dollars to pay for your LASIK surgery thereby saving money overall.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Similar to HSAs, FSAs allowed individuals to set aside pre-tax earnings for health-related expenses like LASIK surgery.
- In-house Payment Plans: Many clinics offered their own payment plans allowing patients to spread out cost over a period of time making it more manageable.
- Credit Cards: Using credit cards specifically designed for healthcare expenses was another option; they often featured lower interest rates and longer repayment terms compared against regular credit cards.
- Medical Credit Companies: Firms such as CareCredit specialized in providing loans explicitly for medical procedures including LASIK eye surgery.
While each option comes with its pros and cons depending upon individual circumstances, the availability of these diverse financing avenues certainly made considering LASIK eye surgery feasible even if one didn’t have immediate funds at disposal in 2018!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of LASIK eye surgery in 2018?
The average cost typically ranged between $1,000 and $4,000 per eye. However, prices varied significantly based on multiple factors including location, technology used, surgeon's expertise among others.
Are there financing options available for LASIK eye surgery?
Yes! In 2018 as well as today various financing options exist such as insurance (if applicable), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), clinic-specific payment plans, medical credit cards or loans from medical credit companies.
Does the quoted price cover both eyes?
Generally speaking, most clinics quote a 'per eye' price for LASIK surgery. Therefore if you're considering treatment for both eyes then you would need to essentially double your estimated costs.
Can I use my regular health insurance to pay for my LASIK procedure?
While most health insurance plans do not cover LASIK since it's often deemed an elective or cosmetic procedure rather than medically necessary one; specific policies might offer partial coverage or discounts. It's always advisable to check with your provider first!
The answers provided above are intended purely for informational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice.
