LASIK is one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries in the world, with a 96% patient satisfaction rate — the highest of any elective procedure. It's also almost universally excluded from health insurance. The logic is that glasses and contacts are "adequate" alternatives, so vision correction surgery is cosmetic. Try telling that to a firefighter, a pilot, or anyone whose livelihood depends on clear uncorrected vision.
What LASIK costs in the US
The average cost of LASIK in the US is approximately $2,500–$3,500 per eye, or $5,000–$7,000 for both eyes. Premium technology (wavefront-guided, bladeless/all-laser) pushes costs to the higher end. Budget LASIK centers advertise prices as low as $500 per eye, but these often use older technology, exclude pre-op and post-op care from the quoted price, and may have narrower candidacy criteria.
| LASIK type | Per eye | Both eyes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard LASIK | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Custom/wavefront-guided | $2,000–$3,000 | $4,000–$6,000 |
| All-laser (bladeless) | $2,500–$3,500 | $5,000–$7,000 |
| SMILE procedure | $2,500–$3,500 | $5,000–$7,000 |
| ICL (implantable lens) | $3,500–$5,000 | $7,000–$10,000 |
LASIK in Colombia: same platforms, different price
Colombian ophthalmology clinics operate with the same laser platforms used in top US centers — Alcon WaveLight, Zeiss VisuMax, VISX — and the same diagnostic equipment (Pentacam corneal topography, ORA wavefront analyzers). The procedure takes 15 minutes per eye, recovery is 24–48 hours, and you can fly home within a few days.
| Procedure | US typical | Colombia typical | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASIK (both eyes) | $4,000–$7,000 | $1,000–$1,500 | 70–80% |
| PRK (both eyes) | $3,500–$6,000 | $900–$1,400 | 70–80% |
| SMILE (both eyes) | $5,000–$7,000 | $1,200–$2,000 | 70–75% |
| ICL (both eyes) | $7,000–$10,000 | $3,000–$5,000 | 50–60% |
All figures are typical 2026 ranges, not quotes. Costs vary by technology, surgeon, and prescription complexity.
When vision insurance helps (a little)
Some vision insurance plans (VSP, EyeMed) offer LASIK discounts of 15–30% through partner networks. These aren't coverage — they're negotiated discount programs. The savings are real but modest: $300–$1,000 off the full price. Check your vision plan's website for LASIK discount details before assuming you have no benefit at all.
FSA and HSA funds cover LASIK in full — it's a qualified medical expense. If you have an HSA with a sufficient balance, this may be the most tax-efficient way to pay. You're effectively getting a discount equal to your marginal tax rate.
Candidacy matters more than price
Not every eye is a LASIK candidate. Thin corneas, high prescriptions (above -10 diopters), severe dry eye, large pupils, and corneal irregularities can disqualify you. If you're told you're not a candidate for LASIK, ask about PRK (works with thinner corneas), ICL (implantable contact lens for extreme prescriptions), or refractive lens exchange (for patients over 45 with presbyopia).
Any LASIK provider — domestic or international — should perform a comprehensive candidacy screening before committing to the procedure. Be wary of any clinic that doesn't evaluate corneal thickness, topography, and tear film quality before quoting you a price.
Ready to explore your options?
Colombia is ranked #1 in the Western Hemisphere for healthcare quality (WHO). See what LASIK eye surgery costs with board-certified specialists.
Explore LASIK eye surgery in Colombia →Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't insurance cover LASIK?
Health insurance classifies LASIK as an elective cosmetic procedure because glasses and contact lenses are considered adequate alternatives. Some vision insurance plans offer 15–30% discounts through partner networks, but these are discount programs, not coverage.
How much does LASIK cost without insurance?
In the US, LASIK typically costs $2,000–$3,500 per eye ($4,000–$7,000 total). In Colombia, the same procedure with the same laser platforms costs $500–$750 per eye ($1,000–$1,500 total) — a savings of 70–80%. These are typical 2026 ranges.
Can I use HSA or FSA for LASIK?
Yes. LASIK is a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. HSA and FSA funds cover the full cost, effectively giving you a discount equal to your marginal tax rate. If you're considering LASIK, maxing out your HSA or FSA contribution the year before can make the math very favorable.
Is it safe to get LASIK abroad?
LASIK performed by a qualified ophthalmologist using current-generation equipment is the same procedure regardless of location. Colombian clinics use the same Alcon, Zeiss, and VISX platforms found in US centers. Verify your surgeon's credentials through ReTHUS and ask about their annual procedure volume.
Can I combine LASIK with other procedures on one trip?
Yes. Because LASIK recovery is fast (24–48 hours), many patients combine it with dental work on the same trip. Have LASIK first, allow 1–2 days of recovery, then proceed with dental procedures. Other surgical procedures should be scheduled after LASIK, not before, to avoid medication interactions.