Knowing the cost of laser eye surgery is essential, so that you can plan out your treatment procedure for the eyes. The various elements that are involved in establishing the cost of this surgical procedure have been discussed in this HealthHearty article.
If you are in the planning phase of deciding whether to have laser eye surgery, then, one of the most important factors that you need to consider is the cost. Many people having problems of short sightedness or long sightedness, have opted for laser surgery and have improved their vision. Among the various options that are available in the hospitals, laser eye surgery has gained a lot of popularity among the masses. Laser eye surgery (Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy) and Lasik eye surgery (Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) are the two types of laser surgeries to solve eye problems and improve vision.
Please Note: The costs given in the article, may vary according to the region and services provided by the hospital.
The Cost Factor
The average cost of laser eye surgery is about $1,000 to over $3,000 per eye and the huge difference in ranges is due to the various types of prescriptions that are advised to the patient. Also, the cost of such a surgical procedure is the sum of several facilities provided to the patient, which are as follows:
- The clinical costs
- Charges of the doctor/medical expert carrying out the operation
- Administrative costs
- Maintenance costs of the tools and machines involved in surgery
- Consultancy charges of the doctor
- Appointments and visits post operation
- Cost of the medicines
As you can see, there are various parameters that decide the total cost, it is important to inquire about various elements involved in the surgery that can contribute to increase in the overall costs, before going for the operation. Here is a detailed information about the cost determining parameters.
Surgeon’s Fees
The credentials and achievements of the surgeon, who will perform the surgery, will determine how much the surgeon will charge for your operation. A surgeon who has substantial years of work experience and has been involved in similar operations in the past is obviously going to charge more than some other doctor. Since, your eyesight is in question, one should not compromise with the quality of the surgeon. Looking for a surgeon with good work experience in this field, is worth the effort rather than getting operated by some unskilled and less fee charging surgeon.
Technology Costs
A hospital with better facilities and latest technology will cost higher, than any other clinic or hospital with less advanced technology. Investigating about the type of laser system used in the clinic and the registered marks of FDA on the equipment, will be a proof that it is suitable for the treatment.
Appointment Costs
The period before and after the laser surgery is absolutely important. While proper screening and testing before the operation is essential, to properly understand the complications, post-operative visits and consultancy with the doctor are equally important. These too are included in the surgery cost.
Many eye clinics lure the patients with discounted costs, however, they add the charges in some or the other way. Besides, they may not allow the freedom to consult their doctors after the operation, which is misleading and not appreciable. Hence, the benefits of such clinics should only be availed, if you are sure about the qualities and services provided by the clinic.
Prescription Costs
One of the important parameters in determining the surgery cost are the prescription costs. The type of surgery, normally, determines the prescription costs. The prescription costs are decided on the basis of the treatment given to per eye.
So, these were the factors that contribute to the cost of a laser surgery of the eyes. Choosing a good doctor is the first step towards effective treatment. While you are making a budget, ensure that you invest wisely, after analyzing all the pros and cons of the surgery.
