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Cost Of
Lasik Surgery
New Technology Increases LASIK Cost
LASIK with IntraLase, a procedure in which the
surgeon creates the LASIK flap with a laser
rather than a microkeratome, typically costs
more than traditional LASIK. The increase ranges
from $250 to $500 per eye, averaging $344,
according to IntraLase. The price is higher
because surgeons must cover the cost for the
system; those surgeons who use it cite studies
that show patients have fewer flap
complications, need fewer retreatments and have
a greater likelihood of achieving 20/20 acuity
or better.
Custom LASIK, which involves using wavefront
technology to measure and map the aberrations in
the eye's visual field, usually costs more than
traditional LASIK.
The Wall Street Journal reported in January 2004
that adding wavefront to the procedure
"typically adds $100 to $400 to the cost of
conventional LASIK, which runs from $500 to
$2,500 per eye."
In April 2004 an industry source said that a
recent survey revealed an average premium of
$375 per eye for custom LASIK.
Also in April 2004 a spokesperson for TLC Laser
Eye Centers said the range was $300 to $500 per
eye, with an average of $425 per eye.
In April 2005, research presented at the
American Society of Cataract & Refractive
Surgery annual meeting indicated an average
premium of $500 for custom LASIK.
Some doctors don't charge an extra fee for
custom LASIK, but rather quote their price as a
unified fee.
Here
is a simple checklist to help you compare the
value of LASIK. Give a dollar amount to each
item listed below:
$____ Seeing the alarm clock when you wake up
$____ Safety and ease during sports and other
physical activities
$____
Being able to see underwater while swimming
$____ Being able to recognize people without
your glasses
$____ Saving the time it takes to care for
contact lenses
$____ Being more readily available in emergency
situations
$____ Self-esteem, self-confidence,
self-appreciation
$____ Traveling lighter, easier, safer
$____ Feeling and appearing more youthful
$____ Savings from glasses and contacts
purchases during lifetime
$____ Overall freedom from glasses or contact
lenses
$____ Add your own: ________________
$____ Total Value of LASIK |
