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How much should I expect to pay for Lasik surgery?

Posted by Lasik Guru on Wednesday, May 16th 2007

16
May

Green Eyes asked:

I have worn contacts since the 5th grade and they are starting to dry out my eyes. I would like to get the Lasik surgery, but I want to make sure it is an option I can afford. I’m sure there is financing available.

For the record, this is in Houston, Texas. I am not interested in going elsewhere for the surgery.
Also, I need the surgery because I have astigmatism, and I’m nearsighted.
I’m 23 years old. I know, the 5th grade comment made me sound really young.

5 Comments Already

bsl_jtk_bjk Said,

May 17th, 2007 @10:13 pm

How old are you now, because you have to be at least 21 for Lasik. It will cost anywhere from $300 per eye to $1000 per eye depending where you go.

Catherine E: VT Said,

May 18th, 2007 @7:22 pm

Be careful. Don’t just go for the cheapest. Find someone that is reputable. Look very carefully into the history of the doctor.
I had it done, and it’s the best thing I ever did for myself. I paid about $2000-$2500 per eye, and this was five years ago. The price might have gone down since then, because it’s more common now and more doctors are doing it.

JadeChameleon Said,

May 21st, 2007 @1:36 am

I just had it done for $6000 (both together) at the Herzig Eye Institute in Toronto. All I can say is do not “price shop” for this procedure. Go to the absolute best, and if you can’t afford them, wait till you can.

Eyes are not replaceable.

P.S. I would not go to anywhere that charged less that $4000 for the entire procedure.

arklatexrat Said,

May 21st, 2007 @12:41 pm

My husband has this surgery several years ago in East Texas (Lehmann Eye Center is supposed to be one of the best in the country about 2 hours away from Houston, so I’m sure the procedures and prices are comparable). I’m thinking it was just over $1000 an eye. For some reason the figure $2000 is sticking in my mind. It could have been $2000 per eye, but I don’t think it was that high. I’m not sure if the prices have gone up, down, or stayed the same in the last 5 years.)
However, this is NOT something I would shop for the cheapest provider on—you definitely want a qualified professional! The latest technology is advertised as “blade-free” and it might cost more because the doctors haven’t paid off their new laser equipment yet, but it is supposed to be safer. (I don’t think they had that when my husband had his.)

I would recommend that you make appointments with at least a couple of prominent opthalmic surgeons in your area based on personal recommendations of others with successful results. Ask around; it’s becoming a fairly common procedure, so there’s bound to be someone you know from work, family, church, etc. who can give you firsthand info. The ones who do it in this area give free consultations, and Dr. Lehmann usually has several public workshops during the year where he does a surgery in front of an audience and gives away a free one as a door prize. So I’m sure you can get a free consult and get a better idea of the costs, as well as risks and benefits from any doctors in your area.

My husband loves living without glasses (he never could get used to contacts!) His eyes are now better than mine!

LindyN Said,

May 23rd, 2007 @3:28 pm

We charge between 2800-4000 for both eyes depending on what your prescription is. And there are other factors such as corneal thickness and pupil size that determine which lasik procedure is better for you. The most important thing is to find a reputable surgeon in your area. Ask around to friends and co-workers for advice as well. Most places do free consultations, so if you are really unsure go to a couple of places and get information about the surgeon and pricing. Most places can give you information regarding financing. It is usually through an outside company such as CareCredit or Capital One. Those are two that we offer. I had lasik done
2 1/2 yrs ago and absolutely love it. Good Luck and feel free to ask any questions.