$220 LASIK - MYTH OR REALITY?
By: Steven Stokes, Chief Operating Officer
Published: February 22, 2019
We’ve all seen the incredible deals for “$220 LASIK - No More Glasses.” plastered across billboards, television, google search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, Instagram, Snapchat, and pretty much anywhere a human can be found. I can’t even get my car fixed for $220. So, why should I believe that I can get laser eye surgery for that price?
True, the surgery does take only 15 or so minutes to complete, but what about all the staff, lasers, medical facility costs, prescriptions, insurance, optometrists, ophthalmologists, assistants, pre-op exams, post-op exams, and what about all those fancy machines? That $220 seems like it would quickly be spread pretty thin. This article will explore the different types of LASIK to uncover this great mystery.
What Is LASIK and Who Needs It?
LASIK stands for (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis); In other words laser-assisted corneal reshaping. It is primarily used to treat myopia (distance vision issues / nearsightedness). It can also treat astigmatism and hyperopia (farsightedness).
LASIK a simple procedure but requires very specific and detailed measurements of the eye shape, corneal thickness, and current glasses prescription. The examination takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Once your pre-op examination has been thoroughly completed you can then have the procedure, if you are a candidate.
The procedure takes 5-20 minutes to complete and is done in 2 stages. First, a flap is created on the cornea. By using a laser or a blade ($299 LASIK), a small incision is made on the surface of the eye. Then, the flap is lifted and a 2nd laser is used to reshape the cornea. The flap is then put back in place and healing can begin.
90% of patients see 20/20 or better the very next day. Many premium LASIK practices have a 98% - 20/20 success rate. There are very few, and rarely ever any complications with LASIK. The most common complaint is dry-eye, which gets better in time.
Types of LASIK
There are 2 types of LASIK - Microkeratome (blade) and All-Laser. The reshaping of the cornea is always performed with an excimer laser. However, the cutting of the flap can be done with a blade or a laser.
Many of the discount LASIK places use a microkeratome to cut the flap. Premium LASIK practices are All-Laser. Instead of a blade to cut the flap, they use a femtosecond laser to create the flap. With the microkeratome blade, you are leaving it up to the surgeon to do the best job he can. Whereas with the laser there is almost no chance of error, as the measurements are programmed into the machine and done with “laser precision.” The method of flap creation is an important question to ask your surgeon, before proceeding with surgery. Lasers are expensive. Discount LASIK places may use a blade because they only have to use 1 laser instead of 2.
LASIK With Blade
Cornea Reshaping Excimer Lasers
There are many types of excimer lasers that can be used for the reshaping of the cornea. Conventional excimer lasers generally aim to simply recreate your eyeglasses prescription. Millions of people have the same glasses prescriptions. However, no 2 eyes on Earth are identical, not even your own 2 eyes. Premium LASIK practices use wavefront technology also known as “custom LASIK.” By measuring refractive errors in your eye in more increments and at hundreds of points on the surface of the eye, Wavefront LASIK is 25X more precise than conventional LASIK.
LASIK With Laser
Contacts vs. LASIK
Glasses and contacts can be very frustrating. They can also be expensive. If you like to fall asleep on the couch every night, contacts can even be dangerous. If you are active, glasses and contacts can hinder your performance greatly. The risk of infection or permanent damage to your eyes from contact lenses is far greater than any risk associated with LASIK surgery.
Regarding cost, the average yearly cost of glasses and contacts is $1,000. LASIK surgery can last 30+ years. The national average for All-Laser LASIK is $2,300 per eye. After just 5 years, you’ll start to have massive savings. Most practices offer 0% financing and extended payment plans as well.
Reality vs. Myth
Back to the original question, Who Gets $299 LASIK? The answer is no-one. Allow me to blow up the fine print for you:
“$220 per eye procedure-only pricing valid for prescriptions up to -1.00 with less than -0.50 diopter of astigmatism, assurance plans and upgraded technologies available at additional cost. All other prescriptions $1,999 per eye”
That is actually a very clever promotion. People with prescriptions < -1.00 generally do not wear glasses and would never consider LASIK in the first place for that reason. The chance of an eye doctor having to honor this price is virtually none, unless someone just wants to experience the laser on the eye for fun.
This type of advertising has been very detrimental to the LASIK marketplaces, people’s expectations, and to the truly great eye surgeons of the world.
How To Choose An Eye Surgeon
Everyone has a different motivation for getting LASIK. You may be into the great outdoors, you might spend a lot of time in the car, you might like bird watching, you might be taking a vacation to the Caribbean soon, you might lose your glasses all the time, you might work at a computer, or maybe you’re just plain sick of glasses getting in the way of your life. Regardless, it’s important to choose the right surgeon. There are some general questions you can ask to ensure that you have the best result possible.
Does the surgeon use a blade or a femtosecond laser to create the flap?
How many surgeries has the surgeon performed?
Is the surgeon board certified?
On which board is he or she certified?
Does the surgeon have specialty training in cornea, refractive, and cataract surgery?
Does the surgeon use wavefront technology?
How much time did the surgeon spend with you at the consultation?
LASIK is a big step for anyone. The success rate is extremely high. However, it is your eyes so you want to shop around and make sure that you have a surgeon that you can trust. It’s okay to accept a small discount you found online. Most premium practices have been forced to do this, simply to compete with the huge discounters. But don’t fall for $220 LASIK. It doesn’t exist.
Bottom line, better lasers have better outcomes, less risk, less scarring, and less healing. You get what you pay for. If you are considering LASIK surgery, be sure to shop around for the surgeon with the best equipment. Don’t shop on cost. Shop on experience.