Most health insurance providers don’t cover LASIK because it’s considered an elective or cosmetic procedure, not a medical necessity: People need glasses to correct refractive errors, which are problems that occur when light doesn’t focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. Most common factors are: Genetics, Age, Environmental Factors, Medical Conditions, and Trauma.
The average cost of LASIK eye surgery in California can range from $1,500 to $7,000 per eye, depending on several factors:
- Surgeon’s experience: More experienced surgeons may cost more.
- Technology: Newer, more advanced laser technologies may cost more.
- Facility: Some facilities may advertise low prices to attract patients, but then add on extra fees.
- Patient’s prescription: The patient’s prescription can affect the cost.
- Geography: The location can affect the cost.
According to estimates, Americans can spend anywhere between $19,700 and $39,000 on prescription contacts over their lifetime, depending on the type of contacts used and their frequency of replacement, with a conservative average yearly cost around $240 per person.
Americans can also expect to spend anywhere between $6,000 and $10,000 on prescription glasses over their lifetime, with the average cost of a pair of glasses being around $200 and most people buying a new pair every 1-2 years; however, this number can vary significantly depending on factors like the quality of frames, lens type, and insurance coverage.
- Insurance company policies: Insurance companies have strict rules about what they cover, and elective procedures are often excluded from their policies.
Most Americans are unable to afford the cost of LASIK Eye Surgery. LASIK can be expensive due to a number of factors, including: the cost of the technology, the procedure being elective, and the lack of insurance coverage.
In the US, the average cost of prescription glasses is between $200 and $300, but the price can vary widely. The cost of glasses depends on many factors, including:
- Prescription: The type of vision correction needed
- Lenses: The materials and coating of the lenses
- Frames: The quality, material, and brand of the frames
- Where you buy them: The retailer’s markups and where you buy the glasses
- Insurance: What your vision insurance plan covers.
Eye exams are also required before a doctor can write a prescription for glasses, and the cost of an eye exam can range from $128 to $200.
Prescription Contacts:
Americans spend around $240 per year on contact lenses on average. However, the cost can vary depending on the type of contact lens, how often they are worn, and other factors:
- Type of contact lens: Daily disposable contacts are more expensive than non-disposable contacts, but they don’t require cleaning solutions. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are reusable and can last up to a year.
- Wear schedule: How often you wear your contacts affects the cost.
- Supply and demand: When demand is high, prices tend to be higher.
- Manufacturing costs: The time and materials required to make contact lenses affects the price.
In addition to the cost of the contacts, you’ll also need to consider the cost of cleaning solutions and cases. Most Vision Insurance Companies do not cover any of these costs.
Some say that LASIK surgery can be more cost-effective than contact lenses in the long run.
LASIK eye surgery can have many benefits, including:
- Improved vision
Most people who have LASIK achieve 20/40 vision or better, and over 90% achieve 20/20 vision or better.
- Permanent results
LASIK corrects vision permanently, so you don’t need to worry about updating prescriptions.
- Quick recovery
Many patients can see clearly immediately after surgery, and can return to their normal activities the next day.
- Freedom from glasses and contacts
More than 8 out of 10 people who have LASIK no longer need glasses or contacts for most activities.
- Cost savings
While the initial cost of LASIK may be higher than glasses, it can save money in the long run by eliminating the cost of glasses, contacts, and related expenses.
- Convenience
You no longer need to worry about breaking your glasses or forgetting to pack contacts.
- Freedom for sports and recreation
You can focus on your performance without worrying about eyewear-related distractions.
Overall LASIK can correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s a good option for people who want to stop wearing glasses or contacts, and for people who need precise vision for their careers, such as athletes, photographers, artists, engineers, and scientists. If Health insurance companies covered this procedure, it would also massively help college students, teachers, healthcare workers, fast food workers, customer service, agricultural workers etc. This would benefit Americans across the country especially low income families. I firmly believe health insurance companies should cover the cost of LASIK Eye Surgery to patients who are good candidates and want these procedures done without worrying about the costs and every year the prices go up.