How Much Does Lasik Cost for Astigmatism

Patients considering corrective vision surgery should weigh many factors, including but not limited to the surgeon’s expertise, technology, level of patient care and cost. One of the most common questions patients ask is how much does LASIK cost for astigmatism? At Providence Eye & Laser, there is no additional cost for patients with astigmatism.

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is when the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, is shaped like a football and should be shaped more like a basketball. Imagine seeing the world through an out-of-focus camera. That’s how it feels to have astigmatism, a refractive error that affects the eye’s cornea.

Normally, light rays bend as they enter the front of the eye and land on a particular focal point on the retina (the back of the eye). With astigmatism, light doesn’t refract (bend) properly so rays do not converge directly onto the retina, causing both close and distant objects to appear blurry.

Common symptoms include:

• Distorted vision
• Glare and halos
• Eyestrain and headaches
• Squinting
• Eye irritation and light sensitivity

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, astigmatism is very common and affects approximately 33% of Americans, though some estimates are as high as 62%.

Correcting astigmatism, once it is stable and no longer changing, can significantly improve one’s quality of life. LASIK eye surgery is one option to address astigmatism and has helped an estimated 20 to 25 million people see clearly since the FDA approved the procedure in 1999.

LASIK eye surgery uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea so the light bends correctly as it enters the eye. At Providence Eye & Laser we use the WaveLight EX500 laser.

How Much Does LASIK Cost on Average?

In the U.S., the average cost of LASIK was approximately $2,632 per eye in 2020 but can range from $1000 to $4000 per eye. Cost varies widely for several reasons, including:

• Technology Used: Not all LASIK procedures are created equal. There is blade LASIK and all-laser LASIK. In fact, Providence Eye & Laser introduced all-laser LASIK to Charlotte in 2003! This state-of-the-art leading-edge technology has made LASIK surgery safer than ever, but it requires an investment by the surgeon.
• Geographic Location: Like most products and services, prices vary from market to market, and LASIK is no different. Many elective medical procedures cost more in Beverly Hills than in other locations.
• Surgeon Reputation and Expertise: Surgeons with more expertise have earned the ability to charge for their expertise. For example, Dr. Nunnery here at Providence Eye & Laser is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist. He spent an entire extra year of training just studying the cornea! Remember, LASIK is surgery on your cornea.

What’s Included in the Cost of LASIK at Providence Eye & Laser?

At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, we believe in transparency and providing expert medical care in a professional and warm environment. When you choose to have LASIK eye surgery by Dr. Nunnery at Providence Eye & Laser, here’s what you can expect to be included:

• LASIK Consultation: A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Nunnery during which he will personally check your vision, the health of your eyes and, most importantly, the structural integrity of your cornea to determine if you are an ideal candidate for LASIK. He will provide you with all the time you need to have all your questions answered.
• Pre- and Post-Surgery Care: Verbal and written information on how to prepare for your surgery and post-operative care, including follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
• FDA-Approved Leading-Edge Technology: We use FDA-approved state-of-the-art technologies, including the WaveLight FS200  to create the “flap” and WaveLight EX500 to reshape the cornea.

Unlike some providers, we have no hidden fees or additional charges for astigmatism. The cost of LASIK for astigmatism is the same regardless of your specific eye condition.

Why Choose Providence Eye & Laser Specialists for Your LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is a low-risk, effective treatment for astigmatism for ideal candidates. Dr. Nunnery’s expertise as a cornea specialist and commitment to personalized patient care set us apart from other practices, and we ensure that our patients receive the best possible treatment without surprise costs.

Some LASIK providers advertise “too good to be true” deals, but the potential financial reward doesn’t outweigh the risk of outdated technology, limited follow-up care, and/or a surgeon who does not consistently perform LASIK surgery or may not even live in your community. These are topics you should discuss with your surgeon.

Here at Providence Eye & Laser, we offer competitive pricing while maintaining a high standard of care, so you won’t have to worry about how much LASIK costs for astigmatism. Additionally, we will provide all costs in writing during your initial consultation and are here to help guide you every step of the way.