Insurance companies have various policies willing to cover and pay a certain amount for certain things that seem to be expensive. Lasik is one of the most common and trusted eye surgeries, with few to no side effects.
This method of eye surgery is quite expensive and hardly affordable for most people. When you need a good eye surgery, we’re pretty sure you’ll want this expensive but very reliable method.
Does insurance cover the cost of Lasik? Learn more about Lasik here and your insurance coverage, if applicable.
Table of Contents
What is Lasik?
You’ve probably heard of Lasik, but this is an acronym that stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.
It is commonly known as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction. It is so named because a laser beam is used during the process.
Lasik is a type of refractive surgery used primarily for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and a cure for astigmatism (because it occurs in the cornea).
An ophthalmologist performs Lasik surgery by using a laser or microkeratome to reshape the cornea of the eye to improve visual acuity. Lasik eye surgery is like other eye surgery procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and Lasek.
Most people consider it a better alternative to glasses or even contact lenses. These are all advances made to treat vision refractive errors.
When lasik or PRK cannot treat an ocular error, such as moderate to high myopia or thin corneas, the use of phatic intraocular lenses is an alternative.
In order for you to have a good outcome from Lasik surgery, parameters such as efficacy, predictability, stability, safety, and patient satisfaction are tested and met.
When the surgeon properly assesses the patient’s expectations and translates them into realistic situations, the desired result will be achieved.
How much does Lasik surgery cost?
You may want to know how much does Lasik surgery cost. A lot of people don’t know the true cost and this leaves them wondering ‘does insurance cover Lasik?’
The cost of Lasik surgery varies depending on the state you are in. According to research, the cost of Lasik surgery ranges from $2,000 to $2,500 per eye.
The cost of Lasik is less expensive compared to the cost of glasses or contact lenses for a lifetime, but the cost cannot be spread over the life like others.
It requires full payment at one time and this can be very difficult for most people.
Can you go blind with Lasik?
It is a rare case to go blind from such surgery and such a case has never been recorded. Patients are actually at a higher risk of going blind from a contact lens infection than going blind from Lasik.
Although, when the healthy care and procedures associated with Lasik are not followed, it can lead to some complications that can lead to blindness. You should know that Lasik surgery itself does not cause blindness, but the complications do.
To avoid these complications, you must follow the aftercare procedures established by your surgeon. If you notice any alarming circumstances after your Lasik surgery, it is recommended that you contact your surgeon or ophthalmologist to prevent any undesirable results or situations.
Recently, the American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC) reported that 90% of people who underwent Lasik surgery were very satisfied with the process. In addition, his vision reached 20/20.
Like any surgery, Lasik eye surgery can have side effects, and certain factors can exacerbate these side effects, leading to serious complications.
Complications of Lasik surgery can lead to blindness or vision loss. Despite these side effects, Lasik has a high success rate and fewer complications.
In rare cases, Lasik surgery causes a person to lose some lines of sight in the visual picture, but does not result in legal blindness. Other side effects of the surgery include temporary visual disturbances such as flashes or halos and decreased night vision.
How is Lasik surgery done?
Performing Lasik surgery is a simple process. First of all, you will need to see a specialist who will question you and keep records of your medical records thoroughly.
They will also take all necessary steps to reshape your cornea into consideration on or before the day of your surgery.
Before your surgery can begin, you will be given drops that can numb your eyes as well as sedatives that can keep you comfortable.
During the operation, a laser is used to create a flap in the cornea. The surgeon then reshapes the cornea, thereby correcting his vision.
The reshaping process depends on the strength of your prescription, your vision problem, and whether you have astigmatism.
Most people come out of surgery faster than expected and after a short recovery period in the operating room or surgeon’s office, you will be able to go home.
After surgery, you can go home with some antibiotics and steroid drops to help reduce or halve the risk of infection, dry eyes, or any inflammation.
Dry eyes are one of the side effects of Lasik eye surgery. They can be very dangerous, especially when you rub your eyes too much.
What happens next?
After surgery, most patients can return to their daily activities within a few days. However, the ophthalmologist or surgeon will often advise the patient to be careful with the flap as it is still healing. They are also advised to avoid rubbing or doing anything that could tear the flap.
A good doctor will always discuss the symptoms or problems related to Lasik surgery. They will give you advice on how to go about your daily life until the flap heals completely, even though most people do not experience any problems during healing.
If you experience minor pain for more than two days after surgery, you should contact or see your surgeon for a check-up.
In addition to these issues, another eye health concern is that some patients will require a second Lasik surgery as they age.
This is necessary to correct any new vision problems that arise. A second Lasik surgery is considered more complex and risky than the first process.
Is Lasek better than Lasik?
Lasek and Lasik are used to treat surgical eye problems. Both involve the use of laser eye surgical procedures. Also, both are used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Both work primarily to reshape and correct the cornea for vision. Lasik is considered one of the most successful yet common refractive surgeries. It has a short healing time.
Most people reported satisfaction with their vision after Lasik surgery procedures (according to the US FDA).
Lasik is not considered for everyone but Lasek is preferred in some cases. Some less experienced surgeons prefer Lasek. It is a bit invasive and optimal for many people.
In Lasik surgery, a corneal flap is created using a femtosecond laser, but in Lasek, the outer layer of the cornea is removed and then replaced.
This replacement will take a few days to regenerate. People with thin corneas and less tissue experience difficulties during removal during Lasik surgery and need to switch to Lasek as a good option.
However, both Lasek and Lasik can correct vision with positive results. If you don’t know what type of eye surgery to use, get an evaluation from your surgeon or ophthalmologist to determine which one is right for you.
How long does Lasik recovery take?
The Lasik recovery period varies depending on several factors, but is generally known to last between six and twelve hours.
While most patients can take up to 24 hours to see clearly, others can take days before they can see clearly and some even take weeks before they can regain clear vision.
Immediately after surgery, most patients are advised to avoid driving, watching television, or engaging in anything that might strain their vision. The day after surgery, patients are advised to visit their surgeon for check-ups.
Most patients are able to go about their daily activities, while some are advised to use eye drops or other medications that can help with their eyesight as they do not fully recover.
After Lasik surgery, you will quickly notice changes in your vision, and as time goes on, you will also notice improvements.
During the recovery phase, you should ensure regular monitoring of your vision by meeting regularly with your surgeon.
What is the Lasik success rate?
Before undergoing Lasik surgery, you will want to know what percentage of Lasik surgery has been shown to be successful.
Well, many of these surgeries have proven to be successful, thus increasing their success rate.
Recent research shows that 99 percent of patients have been able to achieve 20/40 vision. Additionally, more than 90 percent achieved 20/20 or better results.
Additionally, Lasik has a 96 percent patient satisfaction rate, which is totally outstanding. With these results, you can see that Lasik has a high success rate and can be considered worthy of a trial when needed.
Who is not a good candidate for Lasik?
Not everyone is good for Lasik surgery, but they can also consider Lasek surgery. You may not be a suitable candidate for Lasik if:
- are under 18 years of age; your eyes are still growing and surgery is not a good alternative.
- are over 40 years old; your cornea may have become thinner due to aging, and surgery on that cornea may complicate the cutting of the flaps.
- noticed a change in your vision prescription in the past year; this could indicate that his eye is changing and he is not yet fit for surgery.
- have any autoimmune disease.
- are pregnant or nursing a baby.
- has severe dry eyes.
- have glaucoma; Lasik in this case can affect eye pressure.
Does insurance cover Lasik?
You have known that the cost of Lasik is expensive and a good option is insurance. But then; Does insurance cover Lasik? Or do you have to pay it all by yourself?
First, most insurance companies consider Lasik surgery an elective procedure and do not cover or pay for it.
However, some companies have exceptions to this and may cover part or a particular amount of the payment.
You can find out if you are covered by your insurance company by reviewing your insurance policy.
When does Lasik insurance cover?
Most companies that don’t consider Lasik make it very difficult for an adult to afford Lasik surgery, there are times when some of them cover Lasik, but when exactly does Lasik insurance cover?
Insurance covers Lasik when it is considered medically necessary. Lasik surgery is considered medically necessary if you experience any injury to your eye.
In cases like this, surgery is necessary to correct your injury and may be covered by insurance.
Also, if you have difficulty wearing glasses or contact lenses, Lasik surgery is required and may be covered by Lasik insurance.
Lasik Complications
Complications are due to secondary problems and are not usually part of the Lasik surgery itself.
For example, if aftercare procedures are not followed correctly, infections can arise. This infection can lead to serious complications, including possible blindness.
Because of this, it is recommended that after Lasik, you should follow all instructions given by your surgeon and also go for regular check-ups to minimize risk and speed up the healing process.
Try not to strain your eyes or rub them too hard, use eye drops and respect the time period given to return to activities such as swimming, going out in the sun, work and contact sports, using your computer or smartphone and watching TV .
If more of a person’s cornea needs to be altered, healing time may be longer and risk factors may be increased.
Frequently asked questions about whether insurance covers Lasik
People undergo laser eye surgery because it is quick and has few or no side effects.
Yes, it can and that is why doctors usually advise avoiding it for some time.
No, the laser cannot burn your eyes. Lasers focus on reshaping the cornea.
No, Lasik is not painful but it can cause minor discomfort and irritation that some people consider pain.
Yes, Lasik is permanent, but you should still have yearly checkups a few months after surgery.
conclusion
Insurance does not cover Lasik except if the cause of surgical eye treatment is very reasonable, then insurance may cover part or a particular amount of Lasik treatment.
Lasik treatment without insurance is very expensive but well worth it. Sometimes it can lead to complications that can be serious for the eyes.
Hopefully this article answers the question of whether insurance covers Lasik.
Reference
- medical-news.net – What is Lasik?
- en.m.wikipedia.org – Lasik
- golasik.net – Can you go blind with Lasik?
- nvisioncenters.com – Lasik and Lasek
- austineye.com – How long does it take to recover from Lasik?
- guardiandirect.com – Does insurance cover Lasik?
- omaha.vancethompsonvision.com – What is the Lasik success rate?
