LASIK costs about $2,246 per eye in 2026
All About Vision, using Market Scope's survey of surgeons, puts the 2026 average at about $2,246 per eye. Market Scope's range runs $1,500 to $5,000 per eye depending on surgeon, location and technology. Most insurance does not cover LASIK because it is elective.
Cost by case
| Average, per eye | About $2,246 (All About Vision, May 2026). |
|---|---|
| Range, per eye | $1,500 to $5,000 (Market Scope). |
| Both eyes at the average | About $4,492. |
| Insurance | Usually not covered. |
| FSA or HSA | Can usually be used. |
What pushes a quote up
| Technology | Bladeless and custom lasers cost more. |
|---|---|
| Surgeon experience | Top surgeons charge more. |
| Location | Big cities cost more. |
| What is included | Exams, follow ups and enhancements vary. |
| Your prescription | Some cases need a different procedure. |
LASIK cost by region
| Lower cost states | $1,200 to $2,400. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia and most rural areas. |
|---|---|
| Average cost states | $1,500 to $3,000. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and most mid size cities. |
| Higher cost states | $1,950 to $3,900. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, plus big metros such as Chicago, Denver and Washington DC. |
These rows are our estimate. We took the typical national range and adjusted it for local labor costs, which run about 20 percent lower in the cheapest states and about 30 percent higher in the dearest ones. LASIK prices vary by city more than by state.
What a LASIK price should include
Advertised starting prices often apply only to mild prescriptions or older technology. Before you compare quotes, ask whether the price covers the pre-op exam, the surgery on both eyes, all follow up visits, and any enhancement if your vision needs a touch up.
Many refractive surgeons charge one price for all laser vision correction, including PRK and SMILE, according to All About Vision.
You can usually pay with a flexible spending or health savings account, which lowers the real cost by your tax rate.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask per eye or both eyes.
- Ask if enhancements are included.
- Ask which laser and technology.
- Ask about follow up visits.
- Ask about the surgeon's experience.
Ways to pay less
- Use an FSA or HSA.
- Check vision plan discounts.
- Compare two surgeons.
- Ask about financing.
Before you decide
This page covers prices only. It is not medical or dental advice. Talk to a licensed provider about what treatment you need, and ask for a written estimate and your insurer's pre-authorization before you start.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How much does LASIK cost?
About $2,246 per eye on average in 2026.
How much is LASIK for both eyes?
About $4,492 at the average price.
Does insurance cover LASIK?
Usually not. An FSA or HSA can usually be used.
Why are some LASIK ads so cheap?
Low prices often apply only to mild prescriptions.
Other health and dental costs
Photo: Senior Airman Brian Ferguson, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, cropped.