What LASIK Cost in 2018: The Key Facts Up Front
In 2018, the cost of LASIK surgery in the United States varied by provider and region, but the nationwide average price hovered around $2,088 per eye, according to industry surveys conducted by industry groups and market researchers. A typical price range was about $1,500 to $3,000 per eye, based on quoted values for the most common LASIK procedures. These averages reflect the baseline cost of the surgical correction; they do not include add-ons, enhancements, or financing fees, and can differ meaningfully depending on surgeon experience, technology used, and whether both eyes were treated in the same session.
Primary Drivers of LASIK Pricing in 2018
Technology and Procedure Type
One of the largest cost differences in 2018 came from the type of laser and technique used. Standard microkeratome LASIK was generally less expensive than newer femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK or surface procedures such as LASEK and PRK. Bladeless LASIK using a femtosecond laser typically carried a premium, as did procedures marketed with wavefront-guided or topography-guided customization, which some clinics bundled into higher-priced packages.
Geographic and Provider Factors
Regional markets and provider types significantly influenced pricing. Practices in major metropolitan areas often set higher prices than those in smaller cities or suburban locations, reflecting higher operating costs and local demand. Additionally, vision discount plans and advertised promotions in 2018 could lower apparent out-of-pocket costs, but patients were encouraged to confirm whether such offers applied to the full procedure or only specific components, such as the LASIK flap creation or the laser ablation.
Cost Components and What They Covered in 2018
Clinics typically quoted a base price that included the surgical consultation on the day of the procedure, the use of the laser and surgical facility, and immediate postoperative care for a defined period, often one to three months. Fees for preoperative diagnostic testing, enhancement procedures if needed, extended postoperative visits, and anesthesia were frequently itemized separately. Financing and payment plans were widely available, and while these reduced the immediate cash burden, they sometimes added interest or service charges to the total cost over time.
Average 2018 LASIK Cost Breakdown by Procedure Type
| Procedure Type (2018) | Average Price per Eye (USD) | Notes on Variability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard LASIK (microkeratome) | $1,500–$2,500 | Often lower due to mature technique and device costs |
| Femtosecond LASIK (bladeless) | $2,000–$3,000+ | Higher due to use of femtosecond laser for flap creation |
| Custom LASIK (wavefront or topography-guided) | $2,500–$3,500+ | Premium for customization technology; sometimes offered in add-on packages |
| LASEK / PRK (surface ablation) | $1,500–$3,000 | Range reflects variation by surgeon and center; typically similar to or slightly below LASIK |
Out-of-Pocket Considerations and Financial Factors
Because LASIK was generally considered an elective vision-correction procedure in 2018, most health insurance plans did not cover it, meaning nearly all costs were paid out of pocket. Some employers or vision benefits plans offered limited reimbursement or discounts, but such benefits were not widespread. Clinics commonly promoted zero-down, no-interest financing, which allowed patients to spread payments over months; however, patients were advised to review whether such plans included all fees or carried higher base prices to offset the financing benefit. Comparing the total cost of ownership, including possible retreatment or enhancements over time, provided a more complete picture than the initial advertised price alone.
Evaluating Value and Long-Term Cost in 2018
Patients weighing the cost of LASIK in 2018 were encouraged to factor in ongoing expenses associated with glasses and contact lenses, including replacement lenses, solutions, and eye exams, to estimate a rough net-cost break-even point over months or years. The stability of outcomes and the likelihood of needing an enhancement or retreatment varied by individual prescription and healing response, so reviewing surgeon-reported enhancement rates and center policies on enhancement pricing was an important part of value assessment. Choosing a provider based solely on the lowest advertised price without considering surgeon experience, technology, and included aftercare could increase the risk of suboptimal results or additional costs later.
Conclusion on LASIK Costs in 2018
In 2018, the cost of LASIK surgery typically ranged from about $1,500 to $3,000 per eye, with an approximate national average around $2,088 per eye. Price variation reflected differences in surgical technology, provider type, geographic location, and whether premium options such as wavefront-guided or topography-guided customization were included. Understanding what was covered in quoted prices, how financing options affected total cost, and how personal vision needs influenced the likelihood of enhancements helped patients make more informed decisions about the long-term value of LASIK.