LASIK Eye Surgery Cost Guide 2026: What You'll Really Pay
LASIK costs $2,000–$3,500 per eye for quality custom procedures in 2026. Those "$250/eye" ads? Here's what they don't tell you — and how to get a fair all-inclusive price.
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LASIK Cost by Technology Type (2026)
The technology used determines both cost and outcomes. Here's exactly what each option costs and delivers.
| Technology | Per Eye | Both Eyes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional LASIK (microkeratome blade) | $1,500–$2,000 | $3,000–$4,000 |
| All-Laser / Bladeless LASIK (IntraLase) | $1,800–$2,400 | $3,600–$4,800 |
| Custom / Wavefront LASIK | $2,200–$2,800 | $4,400–$5,600 |
| Custom All-Laser LASIK (Premium) | $2,600–$3,500 | $5,200–$7,000 |
| SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) | $2,800–$3,800 | $5,600–$7,600 |
| PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) | $1,800–$2,800 | $3,600–$5,600 |
| LASEK / Epi-LASIK | $1,600–$2,400 | $3,200–$4,800 |
What LASIK Prices Do (and Don't) Include
Typically Included (all-inclusive)
- ✓ Pre-op evaluation and measurements
- ✓ The surgery itself (both eyes)
- ✓ Post-op follow-up visits (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months)
- ✓ Post-operative eye drops
- ✓ Lifetime enhancement/touch-up program
Often Extra (watch for these)
- ✗ Custom wavefront mapping (+$300–$600/eye)
- ✗ All-laser (bladeless) upgrade (+$400–$700/eye)
- ✗ Monovision correction for presbyopia
- ✗ Dry eye treatment before surgery
- ✗ Lifetime guarantee (may expire if you switch surgeons)
LASIK Cost by State (2026)
Average cost per eye for custom all-laser LASIK. Competition, cost of living, and surgeon availability drive regional differences.
| State | Avg. per Eye | Both Eyes (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $3,200 | $6,400 |
| California | $2,950 | $5,900 |
| New York | $2,850 | $5,700 |
| Massachusetts | $2,750 | $5,500 |
| Washington | $2,700 | $5,400 |
| Colorado | $2,600 | $5,200 |
| Florida | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Texas | $2,400 | $4,800 |
| Georgia | $2,350 | $4,700 |
| Ohio | $2,200 | $4,400 |
| North Carolina | $2,150 | $4,300 |
| Indiana | $2,050 | $4,100 |
| Missouri | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Mississippi | $1,850 | $3,700 |
How to Finance LASIK
FSA / HSA (Best Option)
RecommendedUse pre-tax dollars — saves 22–37% vs. paying out-of-pocket. Contribute up to $3,200/yr to FSA, $4,150 to HSA. LASIK is a qualifying medical expense. Many people plan their LASIK around FSA contribution limits.
CareCredit / Alphaeon Credit
Medical financing with 12–18 month 0% promotions. Rates jump to 26–28% APR after promo. Only use if you're confident you can pay it off before the promo ends. Available at most LASIK centers.
Personal Loan
Fixed rate (8–20% APR). Better than deferred interest medical cards if you can't pay it off quickly. Apply through your bank, credit union, or online lenders.
Surgeon Financing Plans
Many centers offer in-house payment plans ($150–$250/month). Terms vary. Get the full cost in writing including any interest charged. Some charge no interest for 6–12 months.
Find LASIK Surgeons Near You — Free
Compare board-certified ophthalmologists and get free consultations. Most LASIK centers offer free evaluations to determine if you're a candidate.