Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery has gained tremendous popularity in the country in recent years because of its effectiveness. A high success rate, fewer side effects, and fewer chances of relapses have encouraged many to consider this eye correction method to remove their glasses and improve their eye vision. That said, before considering LASIK eye surgery, one should thoroughly research the procedure and costs of the treatment, insurance options, and available alternatives.

LASIK surgery – What it is
LASIK is a refractive eye surgery in which a surgeon makes an incision in one’s cornea, which is the transparent front surface of the eye, reshapes it, and folds back the flap using a precision laser. LASIK is a useful treatment for managing refractive defects like astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. The main objective of the treatment is to achieve clearer vision, where the light entering the eye falls precisely on the retina without the use of glasses or other supportive tools. Most people achieve the ideal 20/20 vision with LASIK.

It is important to know that blurry sight or double vision immediately after the procedure is normal and resolves on its own in a few days. The cornea also repairs itself in a few months, provided that one regularly uses eye drops, eats the right foods, and takes ample rest.

Eligible age for LASIK eye surgery
Only those over 18 years of age can opt for LASIK. This is because during puberty and adolescence, the cornea’s shape still grows and changes, and vision changes are common. For the surgery to be successful, the eyes need to achieve a certain level of ocular maturity and stability. Apart from age, one should also meet a few eligibility criteria to consider LASIK.

• The eyes must be in good health. Infections, dry eye issues, or recent eye injuries can delay the procedure.
• The refractive error must not be too high .
• The vision number must be stable for a few years.

That said, one is not necessarily eligible for the LASIK treatment as soon as they turn 18. Before the surgery, the surgeon will evaluate one’s eye condition and check whether they can opt for the treatment. This is because some people might still experience slight variations in their vision during early adulthood. Usually, the mid- or late-20s can be an ideal age for LASIK surgery, as one’s vision and prescriptions are relatively steady. The treatment can also work well for those in their 30s, 40s, and beyond those ages, as long as they have good eye health. Note that one may still have to use reading glasses after 40 years, a common age where one might experience a natural loss of near vision despite performing LASIK in early life.

LASIK eye surgery costs
The cost of laser eye surgery is a key consideration before opting for the surgery. In some cities, especially the metropolitan ones, the price of LASIK is around €3,000 as of 2024. That said, one can expect to pay between €1,050 and €3,000 per eye for LASIK surgery. This cost often varies based on factors like surgeon expertise, a high success rate, track record, and the location of the treatment facility; for instance, metro cities are costlier than towns. The technology used, the clinic’s reputation, and the pre- and post-operative care are also a few factors that affect the price of the treatment. Also, comprehensive care packages that include follow-up visits and further medical treatments can add to the overall cost. Similarly, using advanced technology such as wavefront-guided LASIK or femtosecond laser technology can increase costs.

So if one’s looking to opt for LASIK surgery, it is best to look into a few things.

• Consult multiple clinics in the desired location and contact the preferred ones for a proper quote. This will help one compare the latest costs, services, and offerings. Based on these variables, one can understand whether they meet one’s budget and standard .
• Ask for referrals from colleagues and friends who might have opted for the surgery, especially recently, and understand their experience. This will help one to not only get the prices but also any add-on fees and be better prepared for the surgery.
• Research what to expect from the surgery. Many doctors may not explain the full length of the post-surgery recovery process. For example, the treatment might require one to keep their eyes closed for a few hours to a few days. This time can vary for each individual, and knowing the maximum recovery time and potential discomfort can help one stay calm during the healing process.
• Lastly, read previous patients’ reviews and testimonials to understand the clinic’s quality and surgeon expertise.

Insurance coverage for LASIK
Basic insurance may not cover the costs of LASIK eye surgery; that said, most standard policies cover eye care services like eye exams and corrective lenses. It is important to know that these may come with limitations, like a fixed reimbursement limit and one eye exam per year. For LASIK, several supplementary insurance companies provide a set reimbursement amount, which can be up to €500 or more, for both eyes. The individual must pay the difference out of pocket .