How much does LASIK cost? (And Why Prices Vary So Much)

LASIK pricing can be confusing and often misleading. Patients routinely see advertised prices ranging from a few hundred dollars per eye to several thousand. Understanding what drives cost differences helps you make an informed, confident decision.

Average LASIK Cost

In most markets, modern laser vision correction surgery performed by an experienced surgeon ranges from $2,500- $3,500 per eye. Prices outside that range warrant closer scrutiny.

Why LASIK Prices Vary

• Technology and Customization

Advanced diagnostics to screen patients for avoidable complications, utilization of modern wavefront (Wavefront Guided or Optimized), topography-guided (Contoura), and whole eye aberrometry (Wavelight Plus) personalizing every treatment, and modern day laser flap creation all increase precision and cost.

• Surgeon Experience

LASIK , PRK (or Advanced Surface Ablation), and Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) are surgeon dependent procedures. Training, volume, outcomes, and judgment matter. Lower prices often correlate with higher-volume, less personalized care.

• What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Many advertised prices exclude:

• Pre-operative testing
• Post-operative visits
• Enhancement procedures (touch-ups)
• Medications

Transparent pricing should include everything required for safe care and optimal outcomes.

• Geographic and Practice Model Differences

Pricing reflects local market conditions, staffing, technology investment, and the level of physician involvement in your care.

Is Cheap LASIK Risky?

Not inherently but it often signals compromises. These may include limited treatment customization, shorter evaluations, or reduced surgeon involvement. Your eyes are not a commodity, and LASIK is not a retail product.

Is Expensive LASIK Worth it?

Higher cost should correlate with:

• More comprehensive diagnostics
• Personalized surgical planning
• Direct surgeon involvement throughout the process
• Long term follow-up and enhancement coverage/policy

If it does not, the value proposition should be questioned.

How to Choose Wisely

Rather than asking, “How cheap can LASIK be?” consider asking

• Who is evaluating my eyes?
• Who is performing my surgery and do they live locally?
• What happens if my vision changes ?

What is included long-term

The Bottom Line

LASIK is a medical procedure with life-long implications. Price matters but safety and trust matter more. A thoughtful consultation with a conservative surgeon should leave you informed, not pressured.

When performed correctly, LASIK and other vision correction procedures is not an expense but rather an investment in daily quality of life.

A LASIK or vision correction consultation should feel educational. If you are exploring your options, we welcome the opportunity to answer questions, review candidacy, and help you decide whether LASIK or any other vision correction procedure fits your life. Call our office 704-540-9595