How much does LASIK cost?
LASIK costs about $2,250 per eye on average in 2026 (roughly $4,492 for both eyes), commonly $1,230–$3,737 per eye by technology.
Key takeaways
- The U.S. national average is about $2,250 per eye, or $4,492 for both eyes (Refractive Surgery Council; AllAboutVision).
- Standard LASIK averages $1,560 per eye and ranges $1,230–$2,625 (CareCredit).
- Premium options cost more: wavefront/custom averages $1,926 and bladeless averages $2,121 per eye (CareCredit).
- Advertised prices under $1,000 per eye often exclude consults, follow-ups, and advanced technology (Refractive Surgery Council).
- LASIK is elective, so most vision insurance plans do not cover it.
In 2026, LASIK in the United States typically costs about $2,250 per eye, or roughly $4,492 for both eyes. Per-eye prices commonly run from about $1,230 for standard LASIK to about $3,737 for premium wavefront or bladeless procedures, depending on the technology used and where you live.
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a one-time refractive surgery, and clinics usually quote a price per eye. The Refractive Surgery Council reports a national average of about $2,250 per eye and $4,492 for both eyes, and AllAboutVision cites a comparable average of about $2,246 per eye. Actual quotes vary widely with the laser platform, your prescription, the surgeon, and your region.
LASIK cost by procedure type
CareCredit’s cost guide breaks LASIK pricing down by the technology used. Newer, all-laser and custom platforms cost more than conventional blade-based LASIK:
| Procedure type | Average (per eye) | Typical range (per eye) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard LASIK | $1,560 | $1,230–$2,625 |
| Wavefront / custom | $1,926 | $1,480–$3,737 |
| Bladeless (femtosecond) | $2,121 | $1,640–$3,567 |
Across sources, that puts most single-eye pricing between about $1,230 and $3,737, with a national average near $2,250. Because you almost always treat both eyes, plan for roughly double the per-eye figure. The gap between the low and high ends is mostly about technology: a straightforward standard procedure sits near the bottom, while custom wavefront mapping and all-laser (bladeless) flap creation push toward the top.
Regional price differences
Where you have surgery matters. CareCredit’s state-by-state averages range from about $1,318 in Mississippi to about $2,198 in Hawaii for a single eye, a swing of well over $800. Big metro areas and higher-cost-of-living states tend toward the upper end, while smaller markets often quote less for the same technology. If you live in an expensive area, it can be worth gathering two or three itemized quotes before booking.
What moves the price
- Technology used: Conventional LASIK is the least expensive; wavefront-guided (custom) and all-laser/bladeless platforms cost more (Refractive Surgery Council; CareCredit).
- Your prescription: A small share of surgeons price by the strength or complexity of your correction (AllAboutVision).
- Surgeon experience and reputation: More established surgeons often charge more (AllAboutVision).
- Geographic location: CareCredit’s state averages range from about $1,318 (Mississippi) to $2,198 (Hawaii).
- What’s bundled: Very low advertised prices ($99–$299 per eye) typically exclude consultations, pre- and post-op visits, and advanced technology (Refractive Surgery Council).
Both eyes, financing, and insurance
Since LASIK is considered elective and cosmetic-adjacent, most vision and health insurance plans do not cover it. Many practices bundle both eyes plus follow-up care into a single quote and offer financing; the Refractive Surgery Council recommends getting a written, itemized estimate that spells out the procedure, technology, and included visits before you commit. When comparing quotes, confirm whether the price is per eye or for both, and whether enhancements (touch-ups) are included.
Even though insurance rarely pays, there are common ways to offset the cost. Many people use tax-advantaged flexible spending (FSA) or health savings (HSA) accounts, and practices frequently offer in-house or third-party financing to spread payments over time. Some employers or vision plans also negotiate discounts with specific surgery centers. None of these change the sticker price, but they can make the roughly $4,492 both-eyes national average easier to budget for.
Is a cheaper quote a red flag?
Not necessarily, but a price far below the roughly $1,230-per-eye floor for standard LASIK often means older technology, a less experienced surgeon, or fees that appear later. Comparing the total out-the-door cost for both eyes, including all visits, is the most reliable way to judge value.
This is general cost information, not medical advice — consult a licensed provider. Prices are ranges that vary by clinic, technology, and region, and are current as of the verified date; get a personalized quote before making decisions.
How to save on LASIK
- Use pre-tax funds from an FSA or HSA account, which lets you pay with untaxed income and effectively lowers your net cost.
- Ask whether your employer or vision plan offers a LASIK discount through a partner provider network.
- Get consultations at more than one accredited center, since pricing per eye varies significantly between practices.
- Confirm exactly what the quoted price includes (pre-op exams, the procedure, and follow-up visits) so a low headline price does not hide extra fees.
- Ask about interest-free financing plans to spread the cost without adding finance charges.
- Be cautious with heavily discounted offers and verify the surgeon’s experience and the technology used before choosing on price alone.
Cost scenarios
Budget (around $1,230 per eye): A promotional or standard procedure at a high-volume center, typically for a straightforward prescription and basic laser technology.
Typical (around $2,250 per eye): A bladeless, wavefront-guided LASIK procedure at an established practice with pre- and post-op care included.
Premium (around $3,737 per eye): Custom, all-laser treatment with a highly experienced surgeon, advanced diagnostics, and a comprehensive care package.
Cost by state
Prices vary by where you live. These estimates scale the national typical ($2,250) by each state's overall price level, so treat them as a regional guide rather than a quote for how much does lasik cost?.
See all 50 states + DC
| State | Estimated typical | vs U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,000 | -11% |
| Alaska | $2,300 | +2% |
| Arizona | $2,270 | +1% |
| Arkansas | $1,960 | -13% |
| California | $2,490 | +11% |
| Colorado | $2,320 | +3% |
| Connecticut | $2,330 | +4% |
| Delaware | $2,250 | 0% |
| District of Columbia | $2,470 | +10% |
| Florida | $2,330 | +3% |
| Georgia | $2,170 | -4% |
| Hawaii | $2,470 | +10% |
| Idaho | $2,150 | -5% |
| Illinois | $2,250 | 0% |
| Indiana | $2,100 | -7% |
| Iowa | $1,970 | -12% |
| Kansas | $2,030 | -10% |
| Kentucky | $2,030 | -10% |
| Louisiana | $1,980 | -12% |
| Maine | $2,180 | -3% |
| Maryland | $2,360 | +5% |
| Massachusetts | $2,380 | +6% |
| Michigan | $2,160 | -4% |
| Minnesota | $2,220 | -1% |
| Mississippi | $1,960 | -13% |
| Missouri | $2,040 | -9% |
| Montana | $2,130 | -5% |
| Nebraska | $2,030 | -10% |
| Nevada | $2,250 | 0% |
| New Hampshire | $2,340 | +4% |
| New Jersey | $2,450 | +9% |
| New Mexico | $2,070 | -8% |
| New York | $2,430 | +8% |
| North Carolina | $2,120 | -6% |
| North Dakota | $2,000 | -11% |
| Ohio | $2,090 | -7% |
| Oklahoma | $1,980 | -12% |
| Oregon | $2,330 | +3% |
| Pennsylvania | $2,200 | -2% |
| Rhode Island | $2,300 | +2% |
| South Carolina | $2,110 | -6% |
| South Dakota | $1,990 | -11% |
| Tennessee | $2,070 | -8% |
| Texas | $2,180 | -3% |
| Utah | $2,220 | -1% |
| Vermont | $2,200 | -2% |
| Virginia | $2,270 | +1% |
| Washington | $2,410 | +7% |
| West Virginia | $2,010 | -11% |
| Wisconsin | $2,120 | -6% |
| Wyoming | $2,090 | -7% |
Regional estimates scale our national typical by BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), an index of overall state price levels — actual variation for this specific service differs. Source: BEA.
Frequently asked questions
How much does LASIK cost per eye in 2026?
About $2,250 per eye on average in the U.S. Standard LASIK averages roughly $1,560 (range $1,230–$2,625), while premium wavefront or bladeless procedures can reach about $3,737 per eye.
How much is LASIK for both eyes?
The national average is about $4,492 for both eyes, according to the Refractive Surgery Council. Your total depends on the technology used and your region.
Why is LASIK sometimes advertised under $1,000 per eye?
Ultra-low advertised prices usually apply only to the simplest cases and often exclude consultations, follow-up visits, and advanced technology. The Refractive Surgery Council advises getting an itemized written estimate.
Does insurance cover LASIK?
Usually no. LASIK is elective, so most vision and health plans don't cover it, though some offer discounts or let you use FSA/HSA funds.
Why does custom or bladeless LASIK cost more?
Wavefront-guided (custom) and all-laser/bladeless platforms use newer, more advanced equipment, which raises the per-eye price versus conventional LASIK.
What makes LASIK prices vary so much?
The technology used, your prescription, the surgeon's experience, your geographic location, and what visits and enhancements are bundled into the quote.
Sources
How we estimate this
Every figure on this page is compiled from the public sources cited above and given as a low–typical–high range rather than a single false-precise number. Where costs vary by location we scale the national typical using published state price levels. We recheck figures on a set schedule and stamp each report with the date last verified. We are independent and are never paid to change a number — see how we price things.
