LASIK Cost Ranges 2026 — What You'll Actually Pay

LASIK — National Range

$4,000–$6,000

Both eyes · Bladeless, wavefront-guided

High-cost markets (CA, NY, WA): $4,800–$7,200
Low-cost markets (SE, Midwest): $3,400–$5,200

PRK — National Range

$3,500–$5,500

Both eyes · Surface ablation, no flap

Same regional patterns as LASIK · typically $300–$600 less than LASIK

SMILE — National Range

$4,500–$7,000

Both eyes · Minimally invasive, no flap

Premium due to ZEISS proprietary platform · availability growing but still limited

ICL — National Range

$8,000–$14,000

Both eyes · Implantable lens, reversible

Higher cost reflects surgical complexity and implant cost ($1,000–$2,000/eye wholesale)

What’s included

What a good LASIK quote includes

Prices vary enormously because they include different things. A reputable, all-inclusive quote should cover:

Pre-operative evaluation at the surgery center (your regular optometrist exam is separate)
The procedure itself — both eyes, same session
All follow-up visits at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months
Standard post-op drops (antibiotic + steroid regimen, first 30 days)
Any immediate touch-ups within the first 90 days if vision under-corrects

What is often NOT included (but should be asked about)

Wavefront/custom mapping — often an add-on ($200–$600/eye)
Lifetime enhancement coverage — optional plan ($300–$500)
Extended dry eye treatment — prescription drops, LipiFlow
Retreatment/enhancement after 12 months unless plan purchased
Your existing optometrist’s consultation or glasses prescription update

Why prices vary

Why LASIK prices vary so much

Technology platform

Older laser systems (some still in service from 2005–2010) cost less to operate and lease, which leads to lower advertised prices. Newer platforms (Zeiss MEL 90, Abbott iDesign) offer better customization but cost more. Ask specifically which laser model and tracking system the practice uses.

Surgeon experience and reputation

A high-volume surgeon with 10,000+ procedures typically charges more than a newer provider. For an elective procedure with low but real risk, surgeon experience is worth paying for. Most complications occur in the first 6 months of a surgeon’s career.

Geographic market

Facility overhead in Manhattan or San Francisco is 2–3x higher than in suburban Oklahoma. This directly affects pricing. A "high" price in a major metro may still reflect the same quality and margin as a "low" price in a smaller market.

What’s bundled in

A $4,000 all-inclusive quote may be a better deal than a $2,800 quote that adds $1,200 in wavefront mapping and follow-up fees. Always ask for a written itemized quote.

Red flags

Red flags when shopping for LASIK

$299/eye or $599/eye ads

These prices exist. They apply to: a small subset of patients (very mild prescriptions only), exclude wavefront mapping, exclude follow-up visits beyond 30 days, and often include a hard sell to upgrade at the consultation. The all-in price after "upgrades" at these centers often exceeds premium competitors.

No pricing transparency before consultation

Reputable practices will quote a range and explain what’s included before you drive to an office. If a practice refuses to discuss price ranges until you’re in the chair after a dilation exam, that’s a pressure sales tactic.

Pressure to book same-day

LASIK is an elective procedure. There is no legitimate medical urgency. Any practice that pushes a "today only" discount is using sales tactics that don’t belong in a surgical setting.

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