How much is LASIK per eye?
LASIK costs about $1,500–$3,500 per eye, and $2,400 is a typical price. Clinics quote per eye, so most people paying for both eyes see $3,000–$7,000. Three independent sets of figures land in the same place:
| Figure | Per eye | Source, year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical U.S. price | $2,000 ± $1,000 | Clinical Ophthalmology review, 2021[1] | Corporate chains average just under $2,000 |
| Average price (Market Scope) | $2,632 | Same review, 2020 data[1] | Industry market research |
| National average | $2,250 | American Refractive Surgery Council, 2026[2] | Industry-funded; data source not named |
| What patients said they paid (both eyes) | about $1,750 | RealSelf reviews 2007–2022, median $3,500 for both eyes[3] | Self-reported, not a random sample |
| Our range | $1,500–$3,500 | This site | Typical $2,400 |
LASIK prices have stayed roughly flat in dollars for years while competition and technology changed, so we do not inflate older figures with a price index the way we do for dental fees. Much of the published LASIK data comes from the industry; we say so in the table rather than hide it.
LASIK cost vs PRK, SMILE and ICL
No independent survey reports PRK or SMILE prices, so we show only their price position. An industry-funded council says PRK is often less expensive than LASIK or SMILE,[2] and the American Academy of Ophthalmology says ICL typically costs about twice as much as LASIK and more than PRK or SMILE.[4]
| Procedure | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASIK | $1,500 | $2,400 | $3,500 |
| PRK | no published price | often below LASIK | |
| SMILE | no published price | above PRK | |
| ICL (implantable lens) | about 2× LASIK |
See PRK and SMILE cost for those procedures in detail.
Is LASIK HSA eligible?
Yes. IRS Publication 502 says you can include in medical expenses what you pay for eye surgery to treat defective vision, such as laser eye surgery, so LASIK is a qualified expense for a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).[7] Paying with pre-tax money saves your tax rate on the bill:
| Combined tax rate | Saved | Real cost |
|---|---|---|
| 22% | $1,056 | $3,744 |
| 30% | $1,440 | $3,360 |
| 40% | $1,920 | $2,880 |
The 2027 health FSA limit and HSA limits are set by the IRS each year;[8][9] because an FSA lets you spend the year's full election early, scheduling surgery early in the plan year is a common way to fit both eyes in one year. Run your own numbers with the pre-tax savings calculator.
What a LASIK price should include
A fair comparison needs the same items in both quotes. Ask whether each of these is in the price:
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pre-surgery exam and corneal mapping | Decides whether you are a candidate at all |
| Surgeon and laser fees for both eyes | Quotes are often per eye |
| Follow-up visits for the first year | Several visits are normal after surgery |
| Enhancement (touch-up) if needed | Some prices include it, some charge again |
| Eye drops and medicines | Small, but sometimes extra |
Watch the advertised price. The FDA warns against choosing on cost alone and against "package deals" and money-back guarantees in LASIK advertising, and it lists risks such as severe dry eye, glare and halos, and notes that some patients lose vision.[6] The FDA also notes that most medical insurance will not pay for refractive surgery.[5] Whether LASIK is right for your eyes is a decision for you and an eye surgeon; this site compares prices only.
Ways to pay less for LASIK
- Use HSA or FSA money to pay with pre-tax dollars (see above).[7]
- Get two or three itemized quotes with the checklist above, for both eyes, in writing.
- Ask about employer or union vision discounts listed in your benefits; check the final price, not the discount percentage.
- Avoid deferred-interest financing you can't clear in time. Interest is charged back to the start if the balance remains;[10] compare options with the payment plan calculator.
- Also budget for a routine eye exam if you need one before a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is LASIK for both eyes?
About $3,000–$7,000, with $4,800 typical. Patients on one review site reported a median of $3,500 for both eyes.[3]
What is the LASIK cost per eye?
About $1,500–$3,500 per eye, $2,400 typical; a peer-reviewed review put it at $2,000 ± $1,000.[1]
Does insurance cover LASIK?
Is LASIK HSA eligible?
Yes. Laser eye surgery to correct vision is a medical expense under IRS Publication 502, so HSA and FSA funds can pay for it.[7]
Sources
- The 25th Anniversary of Laser Vision Correction in the United States (Joffe)
- How Much Does LASIK Cost? (industry-funded council)
- Patient-Reported LASIK Outcomes on RealSelf: a Social Media Review Platform (Zhu et al.)
- Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
- When is LASIK not for me?
- What are the risks and how can I find the right doctor for me?
- Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses
- Rev. Proc. 2026-35: inflation adjustments for 2027 (health FSA limit and carryover)
- Rev. Proc. 2026-24: 2027 HSA contribution limits and HDHP amounts
- Medical Credit Cards and Financing Plans