Medical Updated June 2026

LASIK Eye Surgery Cost Calculator

Calculate your 2026 LASIK cost based on procedure type, prescription strength, and city. Standard LASIK, custom/wavefront, and LASIK PRK (all-laser) pricing.

National avg: $4,800
Range: $2,000 – $8,000 (both eyes)
Used by 28,940 people

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What Affects the Cost?

1. Procedure Type

Standard LASIK (microkeratome blade) costs $1,000–$1,800/eye. Custom/wavefront LASIK runs $1,800–$2,600/eye and produces sharper results for complex prescriptions. All-laser LASIK PRK (bladeless surface ablation, no flap) costs $2,400–$4,000/eye and is best for thin corneas or contact sports. SMILE LASIK costs $2,500–$3,500/eye.

2. Prescription Strength

Mild prescriptions (-1.00 to -3.00 diopters) are easiest to correct and get the lowest prices. Moderate (-3.00 to -6.00) and severe (-6.00+) corrections require more laser time and expertise, adding $200–$600/eye at most centers. High prescriptions also have a slightly higher re-treatment rate.

3. Provider & Market

Chain providers (LensCrafters, LasikPlus) typically charge $1,500–$2,500/eye. Independent ophthalmologists often charge $2,000–$4,000/eye for premium technology. NYC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco practices charge 20–35% above national average. Rural areas are 10–20% below average.

2026 Cost Reference Table

Type / Option Typical Cost Range
Standard LASIK (both eyes) $2,000 – $3,600
Custom/Wavefront LASIK (both eyes) $3,600 – $5,200
All-laser LASIK PRK (both eyes) $4,800 – $8,000
SMILE LASIK (both eyes) $5,000 – $7,000
PRK (both eyes) $3,000 – $5,500
LASIK enhancement / touch-up $500 – $1,500

Frequently Asked Questions

The national average LASIK cost is $4,800 for both eyes using custom/wavefront technology, which is now the standard of care. Budget LASIK with basic technology starts at $1,000/eye ($2,000 both). Premium all-laser procedures run $2,400–$4,000/eye.

Standard health insurance does not cover LASIK since it's considered elective. However, HSA and FSA funds can be used for LASIK. Some vision plans offer a discount (typically $200–$500). Military TRICARE covers LASIK for active duty service members.

At $4,800 total, LASIK pays for itself in 3–7 years vs. ongoing contact lens costs ($600–$1,200/year). 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. Satisfaction rates are consistently 95%+. The main risks are halos/glare at night (affects ~3% permanently).

Find LASIK Surgeons & Compare Pricing

LASIK pricing varies 30–50% between providers. Always get consultations at multiple centers.

Tips Before You Start

  • Only 85% of adults are good LASIK candidates — get a free screening first
  • Beware of $299/eye ads — those are starting prices for mild prescriptions only
  • Custom/wavefront LASIK has better outcomes for complex prescriptions
  • Many centers offer 0% financing for 24 months
  • Lifetime enhancement policies are worth it if included — get them in writing

Cost by State — 2026

Based on national average pricing adjusted for local labor and material costs.