What is the Average Cost of Laser Treatment for Eyesight?

Laser Eye Surgery Costs in India: What to Expect

Vision correction surgery, or refractive surgery, includes all surgical procedures that restore or improve vision by correcting the eye's refractive errors. These errors affect the cornea and lens of the eye and manifest as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, distorted vision, and age-related difficulty in near vision.

Vision correction surgery can be performed via laser surgery, lens placement, or replacement surgery. The prominent laser treatments include laser eye surgeries, abbreviated as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE. However, the cost of various laser eye surgeries varies depending on several factors.

Read ahead to understand these and other crucial aspects of laser treatment for eyesight.

What is the Average Cost of the Different Laser Eye Surgeries for Vision?

According to Vijaya Nethralaya, the price of laser eye surgery in India ranges between ₹20,000 and ₹1,00,000 or more for each eye, i.e., an average cost of ₹60,000.

The following are the average costs of the most common types of laser eye surgeries in India:

• LASIK: Prices start from ₹20,000 and go up to ₹40,000 for each eye, i.e., an average of ₹30,000 per eye.
• PRK: Priced from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 for each eye, i.e., an average of ₹35,000 for each eye.
• SMILE: Costs between ₹40,000 and ₹60,000 for each eye, i.e., an average of ₹50000 per eye.

The cost of different laser eye surgeries can vary due to factors such as the choice of hospital, geographical location, the eye surgeon’s expertise, the type of procedure, the technology used, preoperative and postoperative care, and insurance coverage, if applicable.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Laser Eye Surgery?

The parameters on which the cost of laser eye surgery depends are as follows:

• Type of Procedure and Technology Used

The cost of laser eye surgery varies according to the procedure used. It could be LASIK, PRK, SMILE surgery, or a combination of these, tailored to the patient's condition and needs. The total surgery price is also influenced by the type of technology used for the procedure due to differences in the apparatus and methods employed.

For example, newer and more advanced procedures, such as SMILE, are typically more expensive than traditional LASIK. Blade-free LASIK is more expensive than blade-based LASIK.

• Eye Surgeon’s Fee

The surgeon's skills and reputation also influence the total surgery cost. A qualified and experienced doctor will charge a higher fee for their services than an average one.

• Location and Specific Hospital

The city or town, as well as the type of hospital where the surgery is performed, also influences the total surgery cost. Urban cities, which have reputable hospitals and government institutions with better amenities, charge significantly more than less reputable and mediocre ones in small towns.

• Condition of the Patient's Eye

The overall surgery cost is also affected by the severity of the refractive error in the patient's eyes and other associated conditions such as dry eyes or thin corneas.

• Preoperative and Postoperative Care

Several examinations and diagnostic tests, such as eye power and cornea evaluation, are necessary before laser eye surgery to determine a patient's suitability for the procedure. These also increase the entire cost of treatment.

Comprehensive care after surgery, including diagnostic tests, follow-up doctor visits, and medications, also contributes to the total surgery expenses.

• Insurance Coverage

If you have insurance that covers laser eye surgery, a significant portion of your treatment cost will be covered. However, many health insurance providers do not cover or only partially cover the expenses of laser eye surgery. Select an insurance plan that covers the majority of expenses incurred.

Concerned about which policy to take to cover the expenses of laser eye surgery? Explore Star Health Insurance plans that cover laser eye surgery, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What are the Reasons People Consider Laser Eye Treatment?

Laser eye surgery can be desired due to the following reasons:

• To Treat Eye Defects

Laser eye surgery can correct common eye problems, such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, distorted vision, and age-related near-vision issues.

• For The Best Vision

Some people are dissatisfied with their eyesight, whether using spectacles or contact lenses and opt for laser surgery to achieve the most optimal vision.

• Freedom from Glasses and Contact Lenses

People often seek freedom from glasses and contact lenses, choosing laser surgery to eliminate their need for them. This may be due to :

• Career Choice

Some professionals, like chefs or athletes, may find it difficult to do their work while wearing glasses and contact lenses.  

• Kind of Activity

People engaging in aerobic activities, such as gymming, running, or swimming, may find wearing glasses or contacts uncomfortable and cumbersome.

• Convenience 

Both spectacles and contact lenses require regular care and maintenance. For example, glasses must be kept clean for optimal use, and contact lenses may need to be worn and removed frequently. These practices may be inconvenient for the user.

• Cosmetic Reasons

Some people dislike wearing glasses or contact lenses because they feel that using them alters their visual appearance.

Laser eye surgery is a boon for people to restore or improve their eyesight. Consider customizing your eye surgery plan with your healthcare provider to ensure cost-effectiveness and optimum benefits.