Cheap Lasik

Along with the eye glasses and contact lenses, Lasik (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is now a popular solution to vision problems. In fact, more than 17 million people undergo Lasik each year. The reason why this method is so popular is the fact that it can give freedom from eye glasses and contact lenses.

Lasik is not always affordable, though. In fact, in 2005, Lasik for each eye may cost a little above $1950. Below are some prices for different Lasik types:

Sometimes, though, there will be cheap Lasik promos around. One must be wary of this. For example, the Lasik Vision Institute (LVI), found in several states, advertised cheap Lasik at $299 and $499 per eye. The thing was to get people in the clinic, then convince patients to pay for more than what is advertised. Other issues that came up were the following:

• In February 2002, KVBC-TV reported that one of their reporters visited LVI. She has degenerative eye disease and is, therefore, not eligible for Lasik. She paid $300 for consultation with an optometrist who informed her that she was eligible for Lasik.

• In July 2003, the ABC Action News reported 6 patients who went to LVI in Tampa Bay, Florida. They developed serious eye infections after their surgeries. Each of the patients paid more than the advertised prices.

• In August 2003, the ABC Action News again reported about LVI. A class action suit was filed against LVI. The lawyer who was handling the case said that he didn’t find anybody who was offered the $299 rate.

• In November 2003, the ABC Action News reported that an LVI national medical director resigned from LVI because the company was pushing its counselors (non-medical personnel who initially speaks with the patients) to recommend punctal plugs. LVI offered $500 bonuses to the counselors who persuaded 50% or more of the surgery patients. The plugs stop tears from being drained from the corner of the eye. These should only be given to patients who developed dry eyes after surgery. The medical director was concerned because the use of plugs in normal eyes could cause serious infection.

Because the price of the procedure in the US is not always within one’s means, finding cheap Lasik abroad may be the only option. Lasik in some countries though cheaper is not necessarily substandard. They are cheaper than the US because, for one thing, the exchange rate plays a big part in making Lasik cheap in those countries. For example, In Mexico the average cost of Lasik per eye is $600, while in Turkey it is approximately $513.

It is life changing to undergo surgery. However, the results may not always be as positive as one expects. Some vision problems may result, including seeing halos around light sources, glare, and difficulty seeing in dimly lit places. It is always best to first check the reputation of the institute one will be going to, their surgeons’ qualifications, the equipment they are using, patients’ reviews about them, and of course, if the cost will fit the budget.