Generally, we are talking about $1600-$2000 an eye but again, these figures can be distorted up or down. With the increase in technology and better and safer procedures, laser eye surgery cost has become much more difficult to predict.

The variation which can affect price includes your health and well being which will also determine if you are actually eligible to receive it, the center, the surgeon and of course the type of procedure you receive.

Be careful not to be drawn into by some of the cheap prices being advertised as these can come with several conditions. Many people find that they don’t qualify and remember, the laser eye surgery business is a competitive one. That’s not to say that it also can have strict criteria on who is eligible and this is usually determined in the pre-screening process with the avoidance of unnecessary risk a major reason for doing this.

How Can You Afford Laser Eye Surgery?

Let’s take a look at some ways to get around what could be describe as a costly investment for many.

First, you need to know if your health insurance covers the laser eye surgery cost. Some companies do not declare the coverage for such type of surgeries but there is a good chance that they can bill it as an obligatory operation rather than an optional one. So work with your health care providers to find some possible ways to reduce the laser eye surgery cost.

Next, it is a good idea to save on your salary every month. You can keep a hundred dollars or more for the needed surgery. About five percent of your income can greatly suffice the needed amount for your surgery. Although it cannot fully compensate to the required amount, savings from your monthly income can help a lot in coming up with the money that you need.

Third, ask about the possibility of installment surgeries. You can issue a large amount as a down payment and set up a contract which will allow you to pay in small monthly terms. This way, you can pay the money with fewer burdens on your part. You can also decide to charge it in your credit card. Although this may not serve as your best option, it can work out just fine if your bank has lower interest rates.

Lastly, save up for your laser eye surgery cost through a financing company. You can search for one over the internet and see the benefits and terms. They will give you a budgeted plan which can definitely make you pay at lower rates.

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You need to be wary of bargain basement surgery prices being advertised as there are hidden factors usually associated with them. Prices quoted for less than $1000 per eye should be treated on face value as in many instances, factors such as eligibility to have the surgery performed at these low prices will depend largely on stringent qualifying rules. In fact, reality is that only a very small percentage of laser eye surgery cost will be offered or performed at under four figures.

The Rise In Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Cost

LASIK laser eye surgery cost has been on a constant increase. Just to get an idea, here is what a refractive industry reported on the average price of this type of procedure:

In 2002, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost ranged between $1,550 and $1,600.
By October 2003, it had already increased to approximately $1,710.
At the end of 2004, LASIK laser eye surgery cost raised above $1,800.
In the first half of 2005, the average price was $1,965.

These figures include several types of businesses, from individual surgeons use rented equipment to those who own it and from regional clinical centers to nationwide eye surgery provider networks.

TLC Laser Eye Centers, a leading LASIK provider, had an average price of $1,800 in 2002. At the end of 2004, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost rose to $1,957 and at the beginning of 2005 the price was $1,983.

LasikPlus, another famous nationwide provider, reported an average price of $1,344 per eye in 2005, which is slightly lower than $1,351 at the end of 2004, but much higher than $1,173 at the beginning of 2003.

More Eye Surgery Cost Estimates

Other types of eye surgery have different prices, also varying upon many factors, such as individual prescription, the surgeon you choose and the place where you live. Here are the average prices per eye for other common eye surgery procedures:

Corneal inserts: $2,800 to $3,800
CK: $1,200 to $2,500
PRK: $1,000 to $1,800
LASEK: approximately the same prices as for LASIK

Technology Is Pushing Up The Price?

Laser eye surgery procedures that use new technologies are also more expensive. In LASIK with IntraLase, the surgeon cuts a flap form the cornea with a laser, not a microkeratome. The price is generally higher than for regular LASIK procedure, increasing with $250 – $500 per eye. The increase is partly explained by the fact that the surgeon has to cover the cost for the system. Patients paying for this procedure are said to have less flap complications, require less treatments after surgery and have as better chance to achieve a 20/20 or even higher acuity.

Financing is available to help you reduce laser eye surgery cost. There are many financing companies specialized in elective procedures which offer plans with long-term payments and fixed rates. Many laser eye surgery centers and private surgeons work with one of such companies to be able to offer more affordable financing plans to their patients.

In the end, the decision to have laser eye surgery should only be made after a rigorous qualifying process. First of all, you need to weigh up the risks associated with such a procedure. The good news is, if you are not suitable for laser eye surgery, then this will be bourne out during the interview stage. If you do qualify, then laser eye surgery cost will be a major factor in determining whether you actually go ahead with the procedure.

Related posts:

1. Laser Eye Cost – The Truth About Laser Eye Surgery Cost
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