How much is Lasik Eye Surgery

With any potential surgical procedure, patients have many concerns and questions. Before deciding on treatment, especially if it’s elective, it’s important to talk to the doctor and get all of the answers.  For example, if you are hoping to stamp out your need for corrective lenses, one of the first questions will be:

How much is Lasik Eye Surgery? But, if you are not comfortable with the doctor or the answers to all of your inquiries, get a second, third or fourth opinion.  You don’t want anyone doing an invasive procedure on your eyes, unless you are confident in their knowledge and ability.

Here are a few of the questions you should ask, before agreeing to laser surgery on your eyes:

1. How much is Lasik eye surgery?

The average cost of Lasik is approximately $2000 per eye.  The price is based on a set figure, to include all of the details related to the procedure.  If you do a Web search, you will likely find providers that will do each eye for under $500.  But, view this offer with caution.  You will have to find out why they can offer Lasik for so much less.  Is the equipment substandard?  Is the doctor inexperienced? Has the doctor had too many patients with negative results?

2. How does Lasik work?

When your eyes have refractory errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, the light is not reaching the retina at the right angle to correctly view what is within your line of vision. The error is caused by a cornea that isn’t shaped correctly.  During the procedure, the doctor will use a laser to make a cut in the cornea and pull back a flap.  Then, the cornea will be reshaped to reflect the light correctly.  Then, the cornea is put back in place.  If all goes well, many patients will experience 20/20 vision.

3. Do I qualify for Lasik?

Not everyone that wants Lasik will be granted the procedure.  For some patients, the risks are greater than the benefits; so, the doctor wants to make sure:

• Your eyes are healthy and have no underlying conditions that will adversely affect the outcome of the procedure.

• You are not pregnant.  Because of hormonal changes, this is not the best time for Lasik.
• Your vision must be stable for at least a year.
• You must be an adult.
• Your prescription must be within specific criteria for the procedure, or the necessary changes will need to be too drastic.
• If you have autoimmune diseases like diabetes, arthritis, or other illnesses, you may not qualify for Lasik.

4. What are the risks of Lasik surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there is an element of risk involved, even under the best of circumstances.  While most patients are pleased with the outcome, there are those that experience adverse side effects like:

• Perpetual dry eye
• Vision that is worse than before the procedure
• Corneas that will not heal
• Halo vision
• Starlight vision
• Blurry vision
• Detached retina
• Inability to accurately diagnose glaucoma or cataracts
• And more

5. Will further surgery be necessary?

In some cases, further surgery will be necessary.  You may want to have another procedure if the first one was less than satisfactory.  Also, if you should have complications after Lasik, another operation may be necessary to correct the vision problem. Also Lasik is not a cure-all.  With age, the eyes will once again deteriorate.

6.Is he/she the right surgeon?

When selecting a doctor to perform the surgery, you will want to consider certain criteria, such as:

• License
• Board certification
• Membership with the American College of Surgeons
• Referrals
• Experience
• Education

7.Will I need corrective lenses after surgery?

For some patients, Lasik will not be enough to correct vision to 20/20.  Some people will still need corrective lenses to read or drive.  Some patients may opt to have the surgery redone.  For others, this is simply not an option.  Also, the surgery doesn’t last forever. With time and age, the eyes will naturally deteriorate, and need corrective lenses again.

Anytime you are considering elective surgery, it is vital to understand the pros and cons of the procedure, before signing on the dotted line. Ask all the questions you need to, in order to ascertain whether the facility and health care provider is right for you.  Shop around. Be leery of the provider that offers Lasik at bargain basement prices.  There is likely a catch that makes it so much cheaper than the competition. Be comfortable with your doctor’s education and level of experience, because you only want the best for your eyes.