If you’ve been thinking about ditching your glasses or contacts, this might be your year! Advances in vision correction surgery have come a long way. Many options are available. Treatments like LASIK are easier to access thanks to better, more accurate technology.
How much is LASIK eye surgery in 2025? Read on to learn more about the procedure, cost, and recovery time. We’ll look at the pros and cons and help you decide whether or not it’s right for you.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
Laser-assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a refractive eye surgery that reshapes your cornea. It can cure myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and other common vision problems.
During the quick procedure, the ophthalmologist will create a flap on the surface of your cornea. Then, the surgeon will use a laser to reshape your cornea according to your prescription.
Once the flap is folded back down, it can heal in place. From prep to flap replacement, this can take 20 minutes per eye. You’ll likely experience itchiness and a burning sensation at first, but this typically eases up within 24 hours.
Some planning is necessary pre- and post-surgery. You’ll need to come in for tests before the scheduled surgery. If you wear contacts, you won’t be able to wear them for at least a week before surgery. Then, you’ll have to take at least a day off work for the procedure.
After surgery, your vision will most likely be slightly impaired, and you’ll need someone to drive you home. You might need eye drops to help heal and keep your eyes moist. You’ll also need to shield your eyes from the sun and contaminants, and you’ll want to avoid contact sports, swimming, and hot tubs.
Follow-up consultations with your eye doctor will be necessary. Full recovery generally takes about three to six months. During that time, you can expect some tearing, mild discomfort, glare sensitivity, and vision changes.
If you’re still in after all that information, let’s look at the costs.
How Much Is LASIK Eye Surgery in 2025?
The current average cost of LASIK eye surgery is around $2,000 to $3,500 per eye. The price depends on the extent of vision correction needed. The cost can vary according to the technology used, the office location, and your surgeon’s level of experience.
Severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism might require a longer procedure or advanced technology. Options such as wavefront-guided LASIK or All-Laser/Bladeless LASIK are more precise than older options but cost more.
Your ophthalmologist’s expertise has a price tag, too. The more experienced and skilled they are, the higher their fees. Likewise, the location of your clinic can impact the cost. If your surgery is done in a big city like NYC or Los Angeles, prepare to pay a premium. Offices in areas with lower costs of living will typically charge less.
Additionally, your LASIK eye surgery may include pre-operative and post-operative care. That could increase the overall cost.
Keep in mind that most health insurance companies view LASIK surgery as an elective procedure. If your plan does not fully cover it, you will need to pay at least a portion of the cost. Ask your clinic about any discounts, financing options, or service bundles they may offer. These can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Cost vs. Quality in LASIK Surgery
While price is a factor in choosing an eye clinic and surgeon, treatment safety and quality are equally important!
Cheaper eye surgery is not necessarily worse than expensive surgery. Higher surgery fees do not always mean better treatment. Clinics, especially in densely populated cities, have their own costs to cover, and you can expect that to be reflected in their service fees.
Be sure to do your research. Learn about LASIK surgery and everything that goes into the procedure. Take the time to vet your eye doctor/surgeon and eye clinic.
Check out the clinic’s Better Business Bureau profile. You can also check Yelp, HealthGrades, and Vitals for reviews about your chosen doctor. Reading what other patients have said about their experience can be very helpful.
Allow some time to do this. It will help you choose the clinic and practitioner within your location and budget before committing to the eye surgery.
LASIK Complications and Alternatives
LASIK surgery has been popular since it received FDA approval in 1999, but it still comes with potential complications. You may experience dry eyes from decreased tear production. Glare around lights, especially at night, is common. These effects typically go away after a few months, but they should still be considered.
It’s important to know the surgery can result in an under-correction or overcorrection of your vision problem. When this occurs, additional procedures might be required. Returning to eyeglasses or contact lenses could even be necessary.
Severe complications, such as infections or corneal ectasia (thinning of the cornea), are rare but not impossible. This shouldn’t scare you away from considering LASIK surgery. Instead, the potential for problems emphasizes the importance of making an informed decision.
LASIK alternatives are available. For example, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is similar to LASIK but removes the cornea’s outer layer without creating a flap. This can be a good option for those with thinner corneas.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) are options, as well. RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with a synthetic lens. This can be a good option for older patients. In ICL, lenses are surgically placed inside the eye. This is a reversible procedure.
If you opt to stick to eyeglasses or contact lenses for now, you’re in good company. Some of the world’s most fashionable people still make a statement with glasses and contacts! They come in so many trendy styles and color combinations.
Is LASIK Worth It?
The cost of LASIK might be beyond your current budget, but it’s an investment in your vision and quality of life. Of course, if you decide LASIK is too scary or expensive, that’s okay too! You’ll still have a great selection of glasses, contact lenses, and other eye care products to keep you looking and feeling your best.
Just be sure to consider everything involved in the decision. What’s necessary for LASIK? You’ll need time for the procedure and related exams, a friend to assist you while your eyes heal, and a budget big enough to cover the expenses.
And if you’re an eyeglass aficionado, you can still purchase non-prescription eyewear. Even with perfect vision, you don’t have to miss out on your favorite fashion accessories. Plus, you can shop online for eyeglasses without leaning too close to your screen!
So, what do you think? Is 2025 the year you get LASIK eye surgery?
