How Much Is LASIK Surgery for Both Eyes 2018
How Much Is LASIK Surgery for Both Eyes 2018 When you think about vision correction, one method that might come to mind is LASIK surgery. This popular treatment has been around since the late 90s and continues to be a top choice for those looking to improve their eyesight. Despite its popularity, many people are unsure of the costs associated with this procedure – particularly when both eyes are involved.
In the year 2018, understanding the cost of LASIK can help potential patients make informed decisions about their eye health. Some factors that can influence these costs include your geographical location, the surgeon’s experience level, and whatever technology they use during surgery. Even though insurance companies rarely cover it due to being considered cosmetic rather than essential healthcare service, there still exist affordable options worth exploring.
LASIK Surgery: An Overview
LASIK surgery, short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular form of refractive eye surgery. It’s designed to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, aiming to reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses. This procedure works by reshaping the cornea – the clear front part of your eye – so that light entering your eyes can be properly focused onto the retina.
The key appeal of LASIK lies in its potential ability to provide excellent vision without glasses or contacts. Couple this with quick recovery times and high success rates reported by patients across different age brackets; it’s not hard to see why many are attracted towards undergoing this procedure. However, remember that while LASIK has been around since 1998 in U.S., advancements have continually been made over years leading up till 2018 which includes improved technology for even better results.
You may be wondering about how exactly LASIK improves vision? During a typical procedure, an ophthalmologist will first create a thin flap on top layer of cornea using either microkeratome blade or laser. This flap is then lifted back and another laser (excimer), preprogrammed with measurements specific to patient’s eyes, removes microscopic layers from central part of their cornea thus reshaping it according to required specifications which ensures proper refraction post-surgery.
This process usually takes less than thirty minutes per eye making it convenient even for those with busy schedules. Post-procedure care involves wearing protective eyewear during sleep time until healing completes along with regular follow-ups as advised by doctor ensuring optimal results are obtained while minimizing risks involved such as dry eyes or glare issues at night among others which are typically temporary anyway lasting few weeks at most.
Factors Affecting the Cost of LASIK Surgery
The cost of LASIK surgery can vary widely, with a number of factors at play that determine final billing. It’s not just about paying for the operation itself; there are other expenses to consider too. From pre-surgery consultations and tests to post-operative care and follow-up appointments, all these aspects factor into what you’ll eventually pay out-of-pocket.
1. Geographical Location: Where you live directly impacts how much your LASIK surgery will cost. Procedures tend to be more expensive in larger cities due to higher operating costs.
- Experience Of The Surgeon: More experienced surgeons often charge more than those who are new in the field – their expertise comes at a price!
- Technology Used: If your surgeon uses cutting-edge technology like wavefront-guided or bladeless LASIK (both considered safer and more precise), expect this to reflect in the overall cost.
- Pre- And Post-Surgery Care: Pre-operative testing and post-operative follow-ups add up over time – they’re part of the total package when considering LASIK treatment costs.
- Insurance Coverage: Most insurance companies deem LASIK as elective/cosmetic surgery hence won’t cover it; however, some might partially cover if vision impairment is severe enough so always double-check with your provider before ruling this option out completely!
- Both Eyes or Single Eye Treatment?: Naturally, treating both eyes doubles pricing compared with single eye procedures but don’t let sticker shock deter you – remember this is an investment towards clearer vision without reliance on glasses/contacts which also have ongoing costs associated with them.
- Inflation Rate: Remember we’re discussing prices back from 2018 so current quotes may differ given inflation rate over years plus any advancements made recently in surgical techniques or equipment used during procedure could influence today’s pricing structure as well!
When considering LASIK, it’s important to weigh the cost against potential benefits and long-term savings. The freedom from glasses or contact lenses may very well be worth the initial investment!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does LASIK surgery cost for both eyes in 2018?
Prices can vary depending on a multitude of factors, including the surgeon's experience, the technology used during surgery, and your geographical location. The cost of LASIK surgery for both eyes in the United States typically ranged from $3,000 to $8,000. It's best to consult directly with a provider for an accurate quote.
Are there different types of LASIK procedures that might affect the cost?
Yes! The type of procedure performed can certainly impact pricing. For example, traditional LASIK is typically less expensive than custom wavefront-guided or bladeless variants which offer more precision and safety but come at higher price point.
Is it possible to finance my LASIK eye surgery?
Absolutely! Many clinics offer financing options like payment plans allowing patients spread out cost over time making this investment more manageable. Also consider leveraging Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if available as part employee benefits package – pre-tax dollars can be used towards paying for eligible medical expenses such as LASIK!
Will insurance cover any part of my LASIK surgery costs?
Typically no - most insurance companies view refractive surgeries like LASIK as elective/cosmetic hence don't provide coverage. However, some may partially cover under specific circumstances so always double-check with your provider before ruling out possibility completely!
These answers are intended purely for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional medical advice; always consult with healthcare provider when considering treatment options.
