The cost of Lasik and PRK do vary because of the variation of the procedure and degree of depth of procedure, in correction of the refractive error of the eye. And the cost of the Lasik procedure is more than that of the PRK procedure.
Cost of PRK
PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy is also a surgical procedure with laser assistance and performed for refractive error corrections, like astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. This procedure is developed before approval of the Lasik and is almost the similar procedure as Lasik. Compared to the Lasik, PRK is less expensive. The cost of PRK procedure is around $1700 for each eye, which includes the procedure fee of $500, facility fee of $900 and follow-up and preoperative fee of $300.
Cost of Lasik
The cost of Lasik eye surgery is $2000 for one eye, in the United States. The cost for both the eyes is double this cost. Usually hospitals advertise the cost applied for the mild nearsightedness and with the farsightedness and astigmatism or more nearsightedness, this cost keeps increasing far more than the advertised price.
Cost Variation
Though some costs of the surgeries are specified, it varies between two hospitals even within the same city. It is because of the fact there are different factors that cumulate the total cost of the surgery.
These factors can be like the experience of the surgeon and the standards followed by the hospital to practise the surgical procedure. Other important factor is the technology adopted to conduct the surgery. Wavefront technology is more advanced technology employed to perform most precise corrosion of vision possible. Usually there are two different prices for excimer laser and femtosecond laser. Some of the hospitals charge the price of the laser procedure according to the refractive error found after primary examination.
The price advertised does not also cover the all the associated fee for medical services. For example, it does not cover cost of the additional post-operative care. The price offered is only for limited visits of follow-up and further visits will be paid visits. Any further retreatment or enhancement surgeries are not included as they are not mandatorily performed.
Some hospitals also offer the same surgery for around $500 also. But such procedures are usually do not include bladeless or laser procedures. So, it is quite important that after the first consultation in the hospital, one should get the breakdown of the cost of each medical service obtained, including the names of the technologies and equipment used. It is not surprising that there can be variation of 50% and it varies from hospital to another.