Lasik Eye Surgery: See the Difference

Lasik eye surgery is a relatively new ocular procedure designed specifically for people who are nearsighted.  If you are a long-term wearer of contact lenses or eye glasses, then Lasik surgery is something that you should discuss with your ophthalmologist.  The costs of eye surgery can be fairly expensive; however, most insurance companies fully cover, or partially cover this medical procedure, so it is less money out of your pocket that you have to pay.

Lasik eye surgery is a very complex operation involving the most delicate part of the eye, the cornea.  Using a knife, a highly skilled ophthalmologist surgeon cuts a flap in the tissue of the cornea, removing the targeted tissue beneath the cornea with a precise laser which causes the nearsightedness.  The corneal flap is then replaced.  It is extremely important to have this procedure done by a surgeon who has had several successful Lasik surgeries to be sure to avoid any medical accidents.

The recovery time for Lasik surgery is minimal; you are usually up and functioning that day, with the ability to drive immediately and fully recovered by one week.  Though not frequent, there are several risk factors that accompany Lasik eye surgery.  There is a small chance of infection or improper healing, adding mostly discomfort and prolonged healing, but usually not actual damaged to your long term eyesight.  It is also possible to over or under-correct your eyesight causing the chance that you still may have to wear corrective lenses until another procedure can be done to fix the problem.

Though expensive, the positive results that you get from receiving Lasik surgery, the cost is most definitely worth it.  The cost of eye surgery, mainly Lasik eye surgery ranges from $500 to $2500 per eye.  Surgeons with a higher success rate and who are more skilled in this procedure will most likely charge more than those surgeons who have not performed this surgery often.  A good point to consider; since your eyesight is precious, wouldn’t you want to pay the extra cost for a skilled surgeon to perform this procedure, rather than a surgeon with little experience? 

Doctors offices and billing company’s breakdown the costs of eye surgery into several different categories and criteria and may include some of the following:
•    Royalties owed to the laser company of the equipment the doctor uses
•    Pre and post-operative consultations (these can occur for as long as a year after your Lasik procedure)
•    Surgical scrubs, gloves and medical instruments used
•    Salaries of the surgeon and staff members assisting the procedure (this can include office workers, nurses and clean-up service providers)
•    Maintenance and purchasing of medical equipment


While most insurance companies cover some or all of the costs of eye surgery, it is important to double check with your agency before you get the procedure done, to avoid being stuck with a large bill that can total more than $5000.