The Cost of LASIK in Los Angeles

LASIK is one of the most popular and life-changing elective procedures performed in Los Angeles. Offering a path to freedom from glasses and contact lenses, it’s no wonder that many Angelenos considering vision correction turn to this procedure. However, the cost of LASIK in Los Angeles is often a primary factor, and a point of confusion, for patients considering surgery. We’ll explain the factors that influence pricing, detail what should be included in a transparent quote, and help you budget for your long-term investment in clear vision.

Average Cost of LASIK in Los Angeles

Understanding the average cost is the first step in budgeting, but it’s important to recognize that the price is rarely a single flat fee.

Typical Price Range per Eye and Both Eyes

In Los Angeles, the cost of LASIK surgery typically falls within a broad range, depending heavily on the technology used and the clinic’s reputation.

Per Eye: The most common range for modern, all-laser LASIK is between $2,000 and $4,000 per eye.
Both Eyes: This puts the total cost for both eyes between $4,000 and $8,000.

Some high-end or highly specialized clinics may fall outside this range, and some discount centers may advertise lower prices that require a closer look (see below).

How LA Costs Compare to National Averages

Los Angeles, as a major metropolitan area with a higher cost of living, tends to have LASIK costs that are at or slightly above the national average.

National Average: The national average for an all-inclusive LASIK procedure often hovers around $2,250 per eye or approximately $4,500 for both eyes.
LA Variation: Due to the prevalence of advanced technology, specialized surgeons, and higher operating expenses, many reputable LA-area clinics charge on the higher end of the national spectrum or slightly more.

Why “Discount LASIK” Offers Often Don’t Reflect Final Expenses

Be extremely cautious of advertisements for LASIK priced at $999 or less per eye. These deeply discounted offers are frequently a “bait-and-switch” tactic.

Low Qualification Rate: The advertised price often applies only to patients with a minimal prescription correction, excluding most candidates.
Outdated Technology: The base price may be for an older, less precise bladed LASIK procedure, while the advanced, all-laser technology you likely want incurs a significant upcharge.
Exclusion of Fees: The low price rarely includes the surgeon’s fee, pre- and post-operative care, or facility fees, which are added later, resulting in a final bill comparable to or even higher than a standard quote.

Factors That Influence LASIK Pricing

The final price of your procedure is not arbitrary; it’s a reflection of the quality, safety, and customization provided. Several key factors contribute to the price variation in the Los Angeles market.

Technology Used

The level of laser sophistication directly impacts the cost and, often, the precision of the outcome.

Standard LASIK (Bladed): Typically the lowest cost, but uses a mechanical blade (microkeratome) to create the corneal flap. Less common today.
Bladeless LASIK (All-Laser or Femtosecond): A mid-to-high-range option where a femtosecond laser creates a more precise, uniform corneal flap. This is the industry standard for safety and consistency.
Custom Wavefront or Topography-Guided: The premium, highest-cost option. This technology creates a detailed, personalized “fingerprint” of your eye (using over 22,000 data points) to guide the treatment, allowing the surgeon to correct subtle imperfections beyond a standard prescription. Contoura® Vision is a popular example of topography-guided LASIK.

Surgeon Expertise

The surgeon’s skill, training, and reputation are major components of the cost.

Experience and Training: Highly skilled, board-certified surgeons who have performed thousands of procedures or specialize in complex cases will charge more, reflecting their proven track record and lower complication rates.
Surgical Volume: A surgeon who performs a high volume of LASIK procedures is often more experienced, and their expertise is built into the fee.

Clinic Facilities

The quality of the surgical center and the level of staff support can influence the price.

Advanced Imaging: Clinics with state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging equipment (which leads to a more precise treatment plan) will have higher overhead costs.
Follow-up Care and Support Staff: A comprehensive facility includes dedicated nurses, technicians, and patient coordinators, ensuring a smoother and safer experience.

Complexity of Prescription

A patient’s specific vision correction needs can affect the price.

Higher Corrections: Patients with severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or significant astigmatism may require a more complex, customized procedure and potentially more laser time, which can increase the overall cost.
Corneal Thickness: If your cornea requires more complex mapping or a specific technique due to its thickness or shape, the procedure may be costlier.

What’s Included in the Price

A reputable LASIK provider in Los Angeles will offer an all-inclusive price. Always ensure your quoted price includes the following essential services:

Service Category	Typical Inclusion	Why It Matters
Pre-Surgery	Comprehensive Consultation and Eye Exam	Thorough evaluation to confirm candidacy, measure corneal thickness, and create a personalized treatment plan (this can sometimes be a separate fee if you choose not to proceed).
The Surgery	Equipment, Facility Fees, and Surgeon’s Fee	Covers the cost of the advanced laser technology, the sterile surgical suite, and the surgeon’s professional fee for performing the procedure.
Post-Op Care	Post-Operative Visits and Follow-up Care	Usually includes all necessary follow-up appointments for a specified period (e.g., 6 months to 1 year) to monitor healing and visual acuity.
Enhancements	Lifetime or 1-Year Enhancement Guarantee	Covers the cost of a “touch-up” or retreatment, if deemed necessary by the surgeon, within a certain time frame (often the first year) or for the patient’s lifetime. Always confirm the terms of this guarantee.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

The most common complaints about LASIK cost involve unexpected fees added to a low advertised price. When comparing Los Angeles providers, ask direct questions about these potential hidden costs:

Extra Fees for Advanced Technology: Does the low base price include the “bladeless” or custom wavefront laser? Often, upgrading to modern technology incurs a hefty, unadvertised surcharge.
Medications and Eye Drops: Post-surgery care requires prescription eye drops, which can cost $50–$150 or more. Some all-inclusive packages cover these, while others do not.
Costs for Retreatments or Enhancements: If your quoted price does not include an enhancement guarantee, you could be charged the full price again if a touch-up is needed years later.
“Add-Ons” to Base Pricing: Ensure your quote is the final price for your specific prescription. Some clinics charge extra for correcting high astigmatism or a high level of refractive error.

Some high-end or highly specialized clinics may fall outside this range, and some discount centers may advertise lower prices that require a closer look (see below).

Financing and Payment Options

To make the procedure more accessible, most Los Angeles LASIK clinics offer several flexible payment solutions.

Monthly Payment Plans: Many clinics partner with medical credit companies like CareCredit or Alphaeon Credit to offer specialized financing.
0% Interest: Common promotional plans offer 0% APR for a short term (e.g., 6, 12, or 24 months).
Low Interest: Extended payment plans (e.g., 36, 48, or 60 months) with competitive, fixed interest rates are often available for lower monthly payments.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): LASIK is an approved expense for both HSAs and FSAs. Using these pre-tax dollars can effectively save you 20–30% on the cost, depending on your tax bracket.
Discounts for Paying in Full Upfront: Some clinics offer a small discount (typically a few hundred dollars) for patients who pay the full cost upfront via cash, check, or credit card.

Insurance and LASIK

While insurance rarely covers the total price of LASIK, your policy may still provide financial relief.

Why LASIK is Usually Considered Elective

For most people, LASIK is considered an elective cosmetic procedure because glasses and contacts are viable, less costly alternatives for correcting vision. As a result, standard medical health insurance plans (like PPO, HMO, and Medicare) generally do not cover the cost.

Possible Partial Coverage or Discounts

Vision Benefits: Some vision plans (like VSP, EyeMed, or Spectera) offer a discount or fixed allowance toward a LASIK procedure through their network of providers. This can result in a savings of 10–30%.
Employer Programs: A growing number of employers offer a LASIK benefit or discount through their company-sponsored vision program.
Military, Union, or Association Discounts: Ask if the clinic offers discounts for members of certain groups, such as military personnel, first responders, or large local unions.

Cost vs. Value: Why Cheapest Isn’t Always Best

When it comes to eye surgery, price should be considered within the context of value, safety, and long-term results, not just the bottom line.

Risks of Choosing Low-Cost Providers

Choosing a clinic based solely on the lowest price may expose you to unnecessary risks:

Outdated Technology: The cheapest providers often use older lasers or bladed techniques that are less precise and carry a higher risk of complications.
Less Experienced Surgeons: Surgeons at high-volume, low-cost “LASIK mills” may lack the extensive experience of dedicated refractive surgeons.
Inadequate Pre- and Post-Care: Skimping on the initial diagnostic workup or follow-up appointments can compromise your safety and final outcome.

Viewing LASIK as a Long-Term Investment

Instead of viewing the cost as a one-time expense, consider the long-term savings compared to a lifetime of purchasing and replacing vision products:

Item	Estimated Annual Cost	15-Year Total Cost
Glasses	$300 – $600 (Frames, Lenses, Exams)	$4,500 – $9,000
Contact Lenses	$400 – $800 (Lenses, Solution, Exams)	$6,000 – $12,000
LASIK	$0 (after initial procedure and one year of follow-ups)	$4,000 – $8,000 (Initial Cost)

In many cases, the cost of LASIK pays for itself within 5 to 10 years, offering priceless benefits in convenience and quality of life.

Comparing LASIK with Alternatives

LASIK is not the only option for permanent vision correction. Los Angeles centers offer several alternatives, each with a different cost profile.

Procedure	Typical Cost (Per Eye in LA)	Key Difference from LASIK
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)	$1,800 – $3,000	No corneal flap; surface-based procedure. Similar final cost, but longer recovery.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)	$2,500 – $4,000+	Minimally invasive, flapless, only corrects myopia/astigmatism. Often costs slightly more than standard LASIK.
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)	$4,000 – $6,000+	A permanent lens is surgically implanted. A more expensive alternative for patients with very high prescriptions or thin corneas.

LASIK often remains the best balance of cost, rapid recovery, and treatment range for the majority of eligible patients.

How to Choose a LASIK Provider in Los Angeles

Making an informed decision goes beyond comparing price lists. Focus on transparency, value, and patient experience.

Key Questions to Ask About Pricing and Payment

“What is the final, all-inclusive price for my specific prescription and chosen technology?”
“Does this price include all pre-operative testing, facility fees, surgeon’s fee, and all post-operative care?”
“What are the terms of the enhancement or retreatment guarantee?”
“Are prescription eye drops or medications covered in the price?”

How to Evaluate Whether Quoted Prices Are Comprehensive

A truly transparent clinic will provide a single, detailed quote listing everything that is included, without using vague terms or requiring you to “upgrade” from the price they initially advertised. If a clinic is evasive about the final cost during your consultation, consider it a red flag.

Checking Reviews, Credentials, and Clinic Transparency

Research your surgeon’s credentials, specifically their board certification in ophthalmology, and their surgical volume. Check patient reviews on independent sites (Google, Yelp) to gauge the quality of care and transparency of pricing. A reputable LA surgeon will prioritize patient safety and clear communication over offering the lowest possible fee.

Conclusion

The cost of LASIK in Los Angeles depends on a multitude of factors, including the type of laser, the complexity of your vision, and the experience of your surgeon, it is never a flat, one-size-fits-all fee. Ultimately, prospective patients should focus on value, safety, and long-term results, not just finding the cheapest price. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

FAQs: Cost of LASIK in Los Angeles

The average cost for modern, all-laser LASIK in Los Angeles typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per eye, or approximately $4,000 to $8,000 for both eyes. Prices vary based on the specific laser technology (e.g., custom wavefront is often higher) and the surgeon’s experience.

Standard health insurance rarely covers LASIK as it is considered elective. However, many vision insurance plans (like VSP or EyeMed) or employer benefits offer a discount or fixed allowance (e.g., 10–30% off or $800 total savings) when you use an in-network LASIK provider. Additionally, you can use pre-tax funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

In a reputable Los Angeles clinic, the all-inclusive price should include all post-operative follow-up visits for a set period (usually 6 to 12 months) and an enhancement or retreatment guarantee. Always confirm the exact terms of the enhancement guarantee (e.g., is it one year or for a lifetime?) to ensure no surprise charges later.

Yes, most LASIK clinics in Los Angeles offer various financing options. The most common are medical credit cards like CareCredit or Alphaeon Credit, which often provide 0% interest promotional periods (e.g., 6 to 24 months) or extended, low-interest payment plans to help manage the upfront cost.

The cost of PRK is often comparable to or slightly lower than standard LASIK, typically ranging from $1,800 to $3,000 per eye. SMILE, which is a newer, minimally invasive procedure, may sometimes cost slightly more than standard LASIK, with prices often starting at $2,500 per eye or higher. Pricing for all options ultimately depends on the clinic and technology used.