A good decision is based on a little “market research”. When you are going through the consideration process, you need to find out what the average cost of lasik eye surgery is going to be included in the price can help you to choose the best eye center or doctor.

LASIK Price Increase

In the last years the prices have been rising, on the one hand because new procedures are used such as “custom LASIK” which is more expensive than traditional LASIK, and on the other hand new technologies such as intralase technology, increases procedures costs.

In 2002 the average cost of lasik eye surgery was between $1,550 and $1,600, but by October 2003 the average had risen to $1,710. At the end of 2004 the average cost of lasik eye surgery was a little over $1,800, and in 2005 it was $1,965.

Why the Prices Vary?

One reason prices vary is that different providers perform different levels of preoperative testing so it is very important you should determine if in the quoted price are included appropriate testing.

Also the cost of testing and surgery equipment varies widely. Technologies for tear film analysis, eye tracking, and measurements of corneal thickness, the laser and corneal topography and pupil size, are available at various prices and are reflected in the procedure fees.

What Are You Paying for?

Refractive surgery fees should cover a variety of costs such as lease or purchase and maintenance of the laser, corneal ring segments, microkeratome and/or other devices used. The excimer laser manufacturer receives a royalty fee of $100 to $150 per eye to develop the machine. If it’s a custom procedure the royalty fee per eye is between $145 and $250, depending on the laser manufacturer.

In the cost of lasik surgery are also included masks, gloves, gowns and other items to make sure the operation is kept sterile.

And let us not forget about surgical solutions, medications and microkeratome blades used during the surgery; office and surgical staff benefits and salaries, office equipment, rent, and office administration; insurance, patient acquisition costs, which include seminars and advertising, and surgeon’s fees if he or she is not on staff.

LASIK is a relatively new technology and thus the long-term effects are not well known. You should take into account the average cost of lasik eye surgery but don’t make your decision relying simply on cost, ask your surgeon what is included and what is not included, what will you have to pay for if enhancement surgery becomes necessary or complication occur, and of course a good surgeon is better than a good price!