How much does laser eye surgery cost?

Oct 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Shuai

Introduction

SMILE laser vision correction: reference price 18,000–25,000 RMB per session; LASIK with femtosecond laser: reference price 10,000–16,000 RMB per session; TransPRK (all-laser) vision correction: reference price 18,000–25,000 RMB per session. Factors affecting the cost of laser eye surgery include regional differences, technological sophistication of equipment, and patients' individual ocular conditions.

In general, laser eye surgery can be divided into three types, with the following reference prices: SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) surgery, priced at approximately 18,000–25,000 yuan per session; LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery, priced at approximately 10,000–16,000 yuan per session; and TransPRK (total surface ablation) surgery, priced at approximately 18,000–25,000 yuan per session. Factors affecting the cost of laser eye surgery include regional differences, equipment sophistication, and individual patient eye conditions.

Different types of laser eye surgery and their reference prices:

Procedure Name	SMILE (All-Femtosecond Laser Refractive Surgery)	LASIK (Half-Femtosecond Laser Refractive Surgery)	TransPRK (Total Surface Ablation)
Reference Price	18,000–25,000 yuan/session	10,000–16,000 yuan/session	18,000–25,000 yuan/session
Principle	Uses femtosecond laser to create a corneal lenticule, which is removed through a small incision to alter corneal curvature	Femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap, followed by excimer laser ablation of the cornea to correct vision	Entirely laser-based corneal ablation to change corneal thickness and curvature for vision correction
Illustration
Suitable Candidates	Individuals aged 18–50 with myopia up to 1000 degrees and astigmatism up to 500 degrees	Individuals aged 18–50 with stable refractive status (refractive error increase no more than 0.50D per year) and central corneal thickness greater than 450μm	Patients aged 18–50 whose corneal thickness is insufficient for SMILE or LASIK procedures
Recovery Period	1–2 days	1–2 days	3–5 days
Duration of Effect	25–30 years	25–30 years	25–30 years
Advantages	1. High precision 2. Small incision	1. Broad correction range, suitable for patients with mild to high myopia and astigmatism 2. Customizable surgical plans based on individual patient needs	1. Preserves corneal tissue 2. Minimal incision
Potential Risks	1. Fluctuating vision 2. Light sensitivity	1. Nighttime glare/halos 2. Vision regression	1. Reduced night vision 2. Incomplete refractive correction

Factors influencing price:

1. Regional Differences
The level of economic development, local cost of living, and distribution of medical resources all affect the pricing of laser eye surgery. Hospitals in large cities or economically developed regions may charge higher fees compared to those in smaller cities or less-developed areas.

2. Equipment Sophistication
Advanced surgical equipment enhances procedure accuracy and safety but increases operational costs. Consequently, clinics using state-of-the-art technology typically charge higher fees. Patients should evaluate a hospital’s equipment—checking whether it is advanced and certified—to make informed decisions.

3. Patient Eye Conditions
A patient's ocular health significantly impacts the cost. More complex cases—such as thin corneas, high myopia, or coexisting eye diseases—increase surgical difficulty and risk, leading to higher treatment costs.

When choosing a surgical option, patients should consider both their individual eye conditions and financial circumstances, and seek treatment at reputable, professional ophthalmic hospitals.

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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.