| erage cost of lasik eye surgery can vary quite | | | | advertised is a far cry from the quote they are finally |
| significantly from provider to provider and it's | | | | given simply because they haven't factored in the |
| imperative that prospective patients do some | | | | amount of correction required and in some instances, |
| necessary due diligence before making any | | | | this can be extensive. During 2002, the average cost |
| undertaking to have the procedure performed. The | | | | of lasik eye surgery was about $US1500 but by the |
| average cost has been rising steadily during the past | | | | end of 2005, it had risen to just under $US2000. In |
| few years due mainly to new technologies and | | | | 2006 and beyond, well, I've given you an example of |
| procedures such as custom lasik. Did You Know? | | | | $AUS3000 which equates under current currency |
| Intralase is a new procedure introduced recently which | | | | conversions to about $US2300. Testing And Screening |
| uses a laser rather than a metal blade used in | | | | Before Treatment Is Very Important A common |
| traditional laser methods. There are two lasers used in | | | | dilemma for prospective lasik patients is the great |
| this procedure; one to create the flap and the excimer | | | | variance in fees and this comes down to |
| laser which removes abnormal growth. Cost Factors | | | | pre-operative testing. This is something you must |
| To Consider Recently, a close pal of mine who had | | | | consider. Why? Well, in my friend's case, he opted for |
| been considering lasik eye surgery for some time took | | | | proper screening before he agreed to have his |
| the plunge and had the procedure performed. The | | | | surgery performed. He reasoned that this was a |
| result: an extremely happy patient who after weeks of | | | | sensible way to avoid any unnecessary complications |
| due diligence and homework now regrets not having | | | | and it also ascertained whether he was a proper lasik |
| had the surgery performed earlier. It set him back | | | | candidate. If he had gone ahead with the procedure |
| close to $3000 Australian dollars but in his own | | | | without the proper pre-operative test then it could |
| words..."it was money well spent!" So how much can | | | | have presented problems. It must be remembered that |
| you expect to pay? Well, this depends on the amount | | | | while lasik has been a "god-send" in the world of eye |
| of correction and follow up treatment required per eye. | | | | surgery to millions around the world there are still those |
| You see, it's well and good to get excited about an ad | | | | unsuitable for treatment because of a pre-existing |
| advertising lasik at under $500 per eye but you need | | | | condition. There is one very simple way around this: |
| to consider several factors. The price advertised is | | | | get screened beforehand. Talk it over with your |
| more than likely for less intensive treatment and if this | | | | surgeon. Lasik is a time efficient procedure but people |
| applies to you then all well and good. However, what | | | | must remember it is still a complex one. "Cover all |
| most people find is the price they originally see | | | | bases" before you commit to it. |