The Cost of Laser Eye Surgery

Several procedures can actually be used in undertaking surgery of this nature. These procedures differ and their costs vary as well. They include the following.

Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)

Individuals who have astigmatism or suffer from short-sightedness or long-sightedness can benefit out of this surgery. This surgery normally differs from the other procedures since the cornea’s flap is cut with a very sharp blade and then the surgeon lifts it and uses a computer-guided laser to remove a substantial amount of tissue that is normally calculated from inside the cornea’s layers. Speak to your eye doctor if you’re considering this procedure as a more permanent solution to your eyesight problems.

During this surgery, the cornea of near-sighted people is flattened while that of far-sighted people is made a bit steeper. The cost of LASIK eye surgery can vary from one provider to another. Prices usually depend on various factors which include;

  • The technology the eye surgeons use
  • The degree to which the procedure is difficult
  • The extent to which you want the vision to get corrected.

The charges for LASIK procedures vary depending with practice and region. The average cost of LASIK is from $1500 to $3000 per eye. This depends on the type of procedure the surgeon is using and the region of the country. Indeed the national average for LASIK pricing in 2014 was $2259 per eye. According to Optilase these figures are very similar in the UK.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This laser surgery is normally used to correct mild to moderate astigmatism, short-sightedness or long-sightedness. During PRK surgery the eye surgeon uses a laser to get the cornea reshaped. This laser usually delivers a cool pulsing beam of ultraviolet light which is used on the surface of the cornea. In PRK surgery, only 5%-10% of the thickness of the cornea is removed for mild in order to moderate myopia.

The national average PRK cost in 2015 for Custom PRK is $2081 per eye. The price of PRK surgery varies by surgeon and region of the country. In 2014 the cost of PRK surgery with the doctor who only offered one price model for LASIK eye surgery was $2,259 per eye.

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

This procedure is normally a variant of PRK. During this surgery, an epithelial flap is normally created and then epithelial cells are loosened using an alcohol solution. In order to get the cornea reshaped a laser is used then the flap is replaced and secured with soft contact lens while it heals. After the surgery, you’ll  be offered Free trial contacts to ascertain the power of your eye.

LASEK surgery is normally used to treat long-sightedness, short-sightedness and astigmatism. The cost of LASEK is similar to the cost of LASIK; typically about $1000 to $2300 for traditional LASEK or $2500 to $4000 for custom LASEK.

EpoLasik

This type of surgery is similar to PRK. Here a very thin layer is usually separated from the cornea and then getting the cornea reshaped. The thin layer may be left off or replaced. This surgery usually costs about $1500 to $2500 per eye.

Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK)

This is basically not a laser eye surgery but a surgical procedure that is normally used to correct astigmatism. This surgery normally corrects astigmatism by making one or two incisions at the steepest part of the cornea. These incisions enable the cornea to relax and take a more rounded shape.

In deed this eye surgery may be used alone, or in combination with other laser eye surgeries for example LASIK, PRK or RK (Radial Keratotomy). The cost for this surgery also varys with the region that the patient wishes to undertake the operation as well as the surgeons present.

In summary, each procedure that is used in laser eye surgery has its costs. These costs are different depending on the technology that is being used, the nature of the problem and the region where the surgery is taking place. It’s vital for any patient who is intending to undertake surgery of this nature to consider these factors. To know more about eye procedures, visit the nearest eye care center in your area.

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