Posted by According to statistical reports published by the American Optometric Association, the annual cost of contact lenses ranges between $120 and $1200. This means that even if you have medical insurance, affordability will still remain a concern!
LASIK treatment is the best alternative to eliminating the need to wear corrective eyewear. Since many people need clarification about its reliability, we have presented this blog. Continue to read and clarify all your doubts, including the cost of LASIK eye surgery in NYC!
LASIK: A brief overview
As mentioned above, it is the best way to correct refractive eye errors. LASIK stands for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and involves a special laser to restore normal cornea shape. The cornea is the frontal clear tissue responsible for refracting light rays at an angle such that they fall precisely on the retinal layer. This helps in proper vision. However, when the cornea shape gets disrupted, a person suffers from refractive problems like myopia, hypermetropia, etc., causing visual aberrations. During LASIK surgery, a thin layer of cornea is sliced and made into a flap, making it easier for the eyes to focus.
What does average LASIK eye surgery cost?
Estimating LASIK eye surgery costs involves considering the factors below.
- Geographical location
- Experience of surgeon
- Medical insurance benefits
- Technical equipment used (i.e., the kind of lasers used)
- Existing eye prescription
Below is a comprehensive explanation of each factor.
Geographical location/Market
Your LASIK eye surgery cost will differ depending on the region you live in. Market value also plays a great role in this. However, if you live in places like New York, be prepared for a pocket pinch!
Experience of surgeon
LASIK eye surgeons with several years of experience can prescribe a wide variety of prescriptions. Moreover, this ensures reliability and greater success rates.
Medical Insurance Benefits
If you have medical insurance under your name, be assured that your LASIK costs will be greatly reduced. Even if you do not have one, there is no need to worry. There are several cost-effective financial options besides insurance.
Technology and equipment
LASIK treatment has undergone many technical advancements in the recent decade and is still evolving. A very new procedure called Bladeless LASIK is becoming popular nowadays, but it is more expensive than usual procedures. So, before you decide on performing this surgery, consult a certified ophthalmologist who can guide you on the cost factors.
Existing Eye Prescription
Prescription plays a significant factor in determining LASIK costs. The higher your prescription, the more costly your LASIK will be. Thus, it is better to clarify prices with eye professionals. This helps avert hidden costs and fraudulent cases.
Beware of Cheap LASIK Ads: Points to remember!
Several ads are available in the market, either published on televisions or placards. Due to these teeming numbers, it becomes very confusing for people to choose the best for themselves. Additionally, many services promise that they will offer LASIK treatment at a lower cost. They spread wrong information about the surgical procedure, thus misguiding you. Here’s a list of other reasons why you must avoid these advertisements.
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Unsuitable for your cause
Cheap ads forget to mention that this little amount only applies to a small part of the community and that too for astigmatic ones. Hopefully, you do not fall into this category. You will often find that these fraudsters have hacked a greater amount from your account upon scheduling a LASIK consultation. So, be cautious!
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Hiding the Full Cost of LASIK
It is one of the major problems associated with low-cost LASIK ads. They often do not state the total price of this treatment package and misguide the patients. You may end up paying more for the following factors:
- Prior consultations and follow-up visits
- The intervention of additional technologies
- Treatment for astigmatism
- Re-treatments if the first surgery was not sufficient
- Additional aftercare costs for eye drops, prescriptions and more
- Facility charge
(Note: All the facilities mentioned above must be inclusive of the LASIK eye surgery package. But fraudsters do not reveal the cost structure and draw you into the trap.)
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Requiring more advanced treatment options
Although LASIK is the best way to restore normal vision, it may not always suit you. Some people may require more sophisticated procedures like a lens implant or refractive lens exchange surgery. Thus, it is crucial to seek professional guidance before deciding to operate on the eyes.
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Lack of sufficient discount facilities
If you have been worrying and procrastinating about LASIK costs, chances are high that you will fall into the trap of false ads. Always remember that a reliable LASIK procedure will not be so cheap that it turns out useless after some time.
Obtaining Visual Acuity with FSA & HSA Benefits: Know How!
Always check with your employer whether he offers flexible payment modes to manage medical costs. Since LASIK is an expensive procedure, medical insurance is essential. This helps you set aside a specific amount to cover your medical expenses.
Conclusion
Several eye care clinics in New York offer sufficient payment options. You can now pay your bills in instalments using a medical credit card facility. These are different from regular money cards if you need to pay from your pocket. If you need to learn the cost of LASIK eye surgery in NYC, thoroughly compare the available clinics and book one as soon as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if LASIK is suitable for me?
Among the many available procedures, LASIK is, of course, the best treatment. But it may not apply to everyone. Thus, it is required to consult an optical specialist who can determine your eye’s health by incorporating sophisticated diagnostic tools. These involve taking high-quality images of the internal eye structures.
Is it possible to get both eyes operated at the same time?
Yes, it is! The procedure may seem frightening, but it is not. It is convenient, and you will not have to pay extra fees for getting both eyes operated on.
How long must I wait to resume regular activities post-surgery?
You can resume your work the very next day of your surgery. Such simple it is! However, we recommend avoiding certain activities, such as hardcore workouts, swimming, and anything that strains your eyes for a few days. That’s all!