LASIK costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per eye on average, putting the total for both eyes in the $3,000 to $5,000 range. The exact price depends heavily on which type of laser technology is used, where you live, and which surgeon you choose. Because LASIK is considered elective, standard health insurance doesn’t cover it, but there are several ways to bring the out-of-pocket cost down significantly.
Cost by Type of LASIK
Not all LASIK procedures use the same technology, and the type you need (or choose) is the single biggest factor in price. Conventional LASIK, which uses a small blade called a microkeratome to create the corneal flap, averages about $1,449 per eye, or roughly $3,880 for both. This is the most affordable option but is increasingly being replaced by newer techniques.
All-laser (bladeless) LASIK, where a second laser replaces the blade for the flap, averages $2,119 per eye, or about $4,238 for both. The premium comes from the additional laser equipment involved. Topography-guided LASIK, sometimes marketed as Contoura or custom wavefront procedures, maps the unique surface of your cornea for a more personalized correction. That precision costs roughly $2,250 per eye, or $4,500 for both.
The gap between the cheapest and most advanced options is roughly $600 to $800 per eye. Your surgeon will recommend a specific type based on your prescription, corneal thickness, and other measurements taken during your consultation.
Why Prices Vary Between Surgeons
Geography plays an obvious role. Practices in major metro areas with higher overhead tend to charge more than those in smaller cities. But surgeon experience matters too. Data from refractive surgery industry surveys shows that higher-volume surgeons, those performing the most procedures, actually tend to charge more rather than less. That might seem counterintuitive, but high demand lets experienced surgeons set premium prices.
When you see a quoted price, ask what it includes. Some practices bundle the pre-operative exam, the procedure itself, post-operative visits, and enhancement coverage into one flat fee. Others price these separately, which can make the initial quote look lower than the true total cost.
Watch for Unrealistic Advertised Prices
You’ve probably seen ads for LASIK at $250 or $500 per eye. These promotional prices almost always come with fine print. They typically apply only to patients with very mild prescriptions and no astigmatism. Once you go in for a consultation, most people are told they need a more advanced (and more expensive) procedure. The advertised price serves as a marketing tool to get you in the door.
That doesn’t mean every promotion is dishonest. Some practices run legitimate discounts. But if a price seems dramatically below the $1,400 to $2,200 per-eye range, ask specifically what prescription range qualifies and whether the quote includes all follow-up care.
Vision Insurance Discounts
Standard health insurance treats LASIK as elective and won’t cover it. Vision insurance plans, however, often negotiate discounted rates with partner surgery centers. VSP, one of the largest vision insurance providers, offers savings of around $1,100 off LASIK at several major chains including LasikPlus, TLC Laser Eye Centers, and NVISION Eye Centers. Other vision plans like EyeMed offer similar arrangements.
If you have vision insurance through your employer, check whether it includes a LASIK discount network before scheduling a consultation. Even if you don’t have vision coverage, some employers partner directly with LASIK providers for employee pricing.
Using HSA and FSA Funds
LASIK qualifies as an eligible medical expense for both Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). This lets you pay with pre-tax dollars, effectively saving you whatever your marginal tax rate is. For someone in the 22% tax bracket, that’s roughly $880 to $1,100 in tax savings on a $4,000 to $5,000 procedure.
For 2026, you can contribute up to $3,400 to an FSA or up to $4,400 individually ($8,750 for families) to an HSA. If you’re planning LASIK, you can maximize your FSA contribution for the year you schedule the surgery. HSA funds roll over indefinitely, so you can also save across multiple years. Up to $680 in unused FSA funds can carry over from the 2025 plan year, though anything beyond that is lost.
Financing Options
Most LASIK practices offer monthly payment plans, often through medical financing companies like CareCredit or Alphaeon. Many of these plans offer a promotional period of 12 to 24 months at 0% interest. If you pay off the balance within that window, you avoid interest entirely. If you don’t, interest rates typically jump to 15% to 27%, so treat the promotional deadline seriously.
Combining strategies works well. You could use FSA funds to cover a portion upfront and finance the rest interest-free, keeping the monthly payments manageable.
Enhancement and Follow-Up Costs
About 1% to 2% of LASIK patients eventually need a touch-up procedure, called an enhancement, if their vision regresses over time. Some practices include lifetime enhancement coverage in their original price. The LASIK Vision Institute, for example, offers a Lifetime Assurance Plan that covers retreatment at no additional charge if your original refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) shifts after surgery.
These plans have limits. They cover changes in the prescription that was originally treated but not vision problems caused by other conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. If your practice doesn’t include enhancement coverage, ask what a touch-up would cost. Without coverage, enhancements typically run $500 to $1,500 per eye.
Post-Operative Costs to Budget For
Even when your surgery fee is “all-inclusive,” you may still pay out of pocket for prescription eye drops. After LASIK, you’ll use antibiotic drops to prevent infection and steroid drops to control inflammation, typically for one to four weeks. The cost varies widely depending on your pharmacy coverage. Patients with good prescription drug insurance report paying as little as $20 for both medications, while those with high-deductible plans or no drug coverage have paid $100 to $240 combined.
You’ll also want a supply of preservative-free artificial tears for dry eyes, which is the most common side effect in the first few months. These are available over the counter for $10 to $20 per box, and you may go through several boxes during recovery. None of these costs are large compared to the surgery itself, but they’re worth knowing about so the bill doesn’t catch you off guard.