Laser eye surgeries such as LASIK and SMILE are promised to improve your vision and your overall quality of life. But this does come at a cost. If you are wondering whether LASIK and SMILE surgeries are worth the price, then you are not alone. Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of treatment including financing options and payment plans, and the improvements it could have on your quality of life.
Breaking Down the Cost of Laser Eye Surgery
The cost of surgery is dependent on a few factors. The main dependency is the type of surgery that you opt for, whether LASIK, SMILE, PRK or other. LASIK is one of the cheaper treatment options, costing anything from $2,000 to $3,500 per eye on average as of August 2025.
You can expect SMILE to be slightly pricier because of the advancement of the technology involved.
When searching for the right healthcare provider for surgery, you will likely be given a number of quotes. The breakdown of your quote will include:
- Consultations, including scans, examinations and vision tests.
- The cost of the surgery itself.
- Follow up appointments post-surgery.
- Necessary medications to take before, during and after surgery.
…and more. Your quote will be based upon your exact needs so there could be other factors to consider. If you are unsure of the reason for the cost, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider to run you through the breakdown.
Factors That Influence the Total Price
There are many factors that could influence the total price of laser eye surgery.
The Type of Treatment
SMILE, being one of the newest laser eye surgery options is often more expensive than LASIK and others. Healthcare providers will need to invest in newer, more advanced technology as well as training to be able to perform surgery. This results in a fluctuation of price.
The Surgeon’s Experience
You pay for quality and as a result, you could expect the cost to be influenced by the surgeon’s expertise. If they are a renowned name in the industry with years of experience and thousands of successful surgeries under their belt, they are likely to be costlier than others.
The Location
As with any treatment, the location that you choose for surgery will have an impact on the price. If the area is generally more expensive to live in, you can expect treatment to cost more too.
The Condition of Your Eyes
Your healthcare provider will do a full analysis of your eyes prior to treatment and will recommend the best surgery for your needs. Depending on the condition of your eyes, you may require additional testing or more complex surgery; both of which come at a price.
Financing Options & Payment Plans
If you are wondering whether there are financing options and payment plans available for laser eye surgery then good news, there are. Many clinics offer options such as monthly payment plans and 0% financing so the cost is more manageable.
These options will often be advertised online but don’t be afraid to enquire about them in your initial consultation if financing is of interest.
Comparing the Long-Term Cost of Glasses & Contact Lenses
It’s natural to look at the cost of laser eye surgery and think it’s expensive. As a lump sum cost, it can be overwhelming. But if you step back and compare treatment to the cost of glasses and contact lenses, it soon pays for itself. Think of the hundreds or thousands of dollars that you spend on eyewear each and every year.
Your eyesight is continuously changing. The prescription that was once perfect soon becomes outdated. For the majority of patients, laser eye surgery is a once in a lifetime treatment. There is no upkeep required and no repeat treatments, making surgery a one-time cost and often much cheaper long term than glasses and contact lenses.
The Value of Improved Vision & Quality of Life
When you undergo laser eye surgery, it’s no secret that your vision improves. But it’s the speed of improvement that catches many patients off guard. Many people report that their sight is clearer and sharper almost immediately after surgery. And the effects last for life which is a priceless benefit of treatment.
And the value stretches far beyond your vision. Laser eye surgery has improved the quality of life of millions of people. Consider how much simpler your life would be without needing to worry about glasses or contact lenses. You would be able to perform sports activities without stress, head on vacation without wondering if you have packed all your contact lens solution and storage and wake up in the morning with freedom instead of immediately reaching for your glasses.
Choosing a Surgeon Based on Quality, not Just Price
While price is an important factor when considering whether to undergo laser eye surgery, you shouldn’t make a choice based on that alone. You should choose a surgeon based on their qualifications, knowledge and experience to receive the best outcome possible.
If the condition of your eyes leads you to a single treatment option, you should look to a surgeon who specializes in that area. And a high-quality surgeon will have the latest technological advancements and up to date training; both of which will lead to optimal results.
In making your decision, it’s beneficial to consider price, quality and the experiences of past patients. Once you have all of the facts, you can make an informed decision on how much you are willing to pay for treatment.
Speak to an Expert Today
Want to learn more about laser eye surgery? Get in touch with the experts at IQ Laser Vision. With over 60 years of experience and over 300,000 successful surgeries performed, you are in safe hands in their care. Understand more about laser eye surgery and discover whether you are a good candidate for treatment with a free consultation. Call (888) 727-0253 or complete an online enquiry form to get started.
