How much does laser eye surgery cost?

Nov 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Shuai

Introduction

LASIK surgery: reference price 5,000–15,000 yuan per session; Semi-Femtosecond laser myopia surgery: reference price 10,000–16,000 yuan per session; Full-Femtosecond laser myopia surgery: reference price 18,000–25,000 yuan per session; ICL implantable collamer lens surgery: reference price 30,000–40,000 yuan per session, etc.

In general, laser eye surgery can be divided into four types, with the following reference prices: PRK/LASIK (excimer laser surgery), approximately 5,000–15,000 yuan per session; femtosecond-assisted LASIK (semi-FS-LASIK), approximately 10,000–16,000 yuan per session; SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction), approximately 18,000–25,000 yuan per session; and ICL (implantable collamer lens) implantation, approximately 30,000–40,000 yuan per session. Factors influencing the cost of laser eye surgery include preoperative examinations and postoperative care, regional differences, and individual patient eye conditions.

Types of laser eye surgery and their reference prices:

Procedure	Excimer Laser Surgery	Semi-Femtosecond LASIK	Full-Femtosecond SMILE	ICL Implantation
Reference Price	5,000–15,000 yuan/session	10,000–16,000 yuan/session	18,000–25,000 yuan/session	30,000–40,000 yuan/session
Principle	Precisely reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser to alter its curvature and correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism	Creates a corneal flap using a femtosecond laser, followed by excimer laser ablation of the corneal stroma	Uses a femtosecond laser to create a small "lenticule" within the cornea, which is then removed to change the cornea's refractive power	Makes a small incision in the cornea and implants an ultra-thin corrective lens in front of the natural lens
Suitable Candidates	Individuals over 18 years old with stable refractive error and adequate corneal thickness	Patients requiring correction across a wide range of refractive errors who meet corneal requirements for laser surgery	Patients with myopia up to 900 degrees, sufficient corneal thickness, and those with active lifestyles	Patients with high or extreme myopia (≥1000 degrees); also suitable for moderate-to-high myopia with thin corneas
Recovery Period	1–3 months	1–2 days	1–2 days	3–7 days
Duration of Effect	25–30 years	25–30 years	25–30 years	25–30 years
Advantages	1. Minimal invasiveness 2. High safety profile	1. Lower risk 2. Small incision	1. Small incision 2. High safety	1. No corneal cutting required 2. Suitable for patients with extreme myopia
Potential Risks	1. Dry eye risk 2. Corneal flap displacement	1. Corneal flap displacement 2. Risk of infection	1. Corneal flap wrinkling 2. Dry eye syndrome	1. Cataract development 2. Eye infection

Factors affecting cost:

1. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative care
Before undergoing laser eye surgery, patients must undergo a series of detailed eye examinations to determine eligibility and the most suitable surgical method. These diagnostic costs contribute to the overall price. Postoperative care also affects total expenses. Proper follow-up care helps ensure stable outcomes and faster recovery, including costs for eye drops, follow-up visits, and additional treatments if needed.

2. Regional differences
Differences in economic development, cost of living, and distribution of medical resources across regions lead to variations in laser eye surgery pricing. Generally, procedures in major cities or economically developed areas tend to be more expensive, while those in smaller cities or less-developed regions are relatively lower in cost.

3. Patient’s eye condition
The patient’s ocular health significantly influences the cost. Higher degrees of myopia, thinner corneas, or other eye conditions may require more complex surgical planning and greater technical difficulty, increasing the overall cost. Additionally, extra preoperative tests or extended postoperative care may further raise the total expense.

When choosing a procedure, patients should fully understand the components of the surgical cost and the factors that influence it, making informed decisions based on their personal circumstances and financial capacity.

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What should I pay attention to after eye surgery?

In general, after undergoing eye surgery, it is important to protect the eye by keeping it clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, ensuring adequate rest, maintaining a balanced nutritional intake, and protecting the eyes from sun exposure. A well-balanced diet should be maintained in daily life, including sufficient intake of nutrients beneficial to eye health, such as vitamins A, C, E, and zinc. These nutrients help protect the retina and prevent eye diseases.