LASIK Eye Surgery Cost Calculator 2026

The national average LASIK cost is $4,800 for both eyes using custom/wavefront technology, which is now the standard of care. Budget LASIK with basic technology starts at $1,000/eye ($2,000 both). Premium all-laser procedures run $2,400–$4,000/eye.

Standard health insurance does not cover LASIK since it's considered elective. However, HSA and FSA funds can be used for LASIK. Some vision plans offer a discount (typically $200–$500). Military TRICARE covers LASIK for active duty service members.

At $4,800 total, LASIK pays for itself in 3–7 years vs. ongoing contact lens costs ($600–$1,200/year). 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Satisfaction rates are consistently 95%+. The main risks are halos/glare at night (affects ~3% permanently).

You're likely a LASIK candidate if: age 21+, stable prescription for 2+ years, corneas thick enough (500+ microns), prescription within treatable range (-9.00 to +5.00 diopters, up to -5.00 astigmatism). Disqualifying factors: thin corneas (keratoconus), severe dry eye disease, autoimmune conditions, pregnancy, and certain medications. 85% of patients who seek LASIK evaluation are suitable candidates. Get a free evaluation at any LASIK center — the exam includes corneal mapping and thickness measurement.

LASIK: creates a corneal flap, laser reshapes underneath. Recovery: clear vision in 24–48 hours. Cost: $2,000–$3,000/eye. PRK: removes surface cells, laser reshapes, cells regrow. Recovery: 3–7 days of blurry vision, full recovery 1–3 months. Cost: $1,500–$2,500/eye (usually $300–$500 cheaper than LASIK). PRK is recommended for: thin corneas, dry eye, contact sports (no flap to displace). SMILE (newer): smaller incision, no flap, similar recovery to LASIK. Cost: $2,500–$4,000/eye. Both LASIK and PRK have excellent long-term outcomes; the technique choice depends on your corneal profile.

Common side effects (usually temporary): dry eyes (affects 20–30% for 3–6 months, resolves in most), night halos/glare/starbursts (affects 15–20% initially, typically improves in 3–6 months), light sensitivity. Serious complications are rare: corneal flap issues (<1%), infection (<0.1%), significant vision loss (<0.1%). The FDA reports 95%+ patient satisfaction. Permanent dry eyes (3%) and permanent night vision issues (3%) are the most common permanent complications. Risk is minimized by choosing a board-certified ophthalmologist and undergoing thorough preoperative screening.

LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea — the effect is permanent. However, age-related vision changes (presbyopia after age 40–45) can cause reading vision to decline regardless of LASIK. About 10–15% of patients need a LASIK enhancement (touch-up) within 10 years due to minor prescription changes. The corneal reshaping itself doesn't reverse. Most patients enjoy 20/20 or better vision for decades post-surgery. If you have LASIK at 25, you'll likely still benefit through your 50s — though reading glasses become necessary for most people as presbyopia develops.