Insurance companies have various policies willing to cover and pay some amount for things that seem expensive. Lasik is one of the most common and reliable eye surgeries, with little or no side effects.
This eye surgery method is quite expensive and is hardly affordable for most people. We’re sure you will want this expensive yet very reliable method, when you need good eye surgery,
Does insurance cover Lasik’s cost? Find out more about Lasik here and its insurance coverage, if any.
Table of contents
- What Is Lasik?
- How Much Does Lasik Surgery Cost?
- Can You Go Blind From Lasik?
- How Is Lasik Surgery Done?
- Is Lasek Better Than Lasik?
- How Long Is Recovery For Lasik?
- What Is The Success Rate Of Lasik?
- Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Lasik?
- Does Insurance Cover Lasik?
- When Does Insurance Cover Lasik?
- Complications of Lasik
- FAQs on Does Insurance Cover Lasik
- Conclusion
- Reference
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What Is Lasik?
You have probably heard of Lasik, but this is an acronym meaning laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.
It is commonly referred to as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction. It is referred to as such because a laser beam is used during the process.
Lasik is a type of refractive surgery used mainly for to correct myopia and hyperopia and a cure for astigmatism (because it occurs in the cornea).
An ophthalmologist performs a Lasik surgery using a laser or micro-keratome to give the eye’s cornea another shape in to improve visual acuity. Lasik eye surgery is like other eye surgery procedures like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and Lasek.
Most people consider it a better alternative to eyeglasses or even contact lenses. These are all advances made to treat refractive errors of vision.
Using a phatic intraocular lens is an alternative when either Lasik or PRK can’t treat an eye error such as moderate to high myopia or thin corneas.
To have a good Lasik surgery result, parameters such as efficacy, predictability, stability, safety, and patient satisfaction are looked into and accomplished.
A desired result will be obtained when the surgeon correctly evaluates the patient’s expectations and turns them in to realistic situations.
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How Much Does Lasik Surgery Cost?
You might want to know how much Lasik surgery costs. Many people don’t know the actual cost, so they ask, ‘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 Lasik cost is less expensive when compared to the lifetime cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses, but the price can’t be spread out over a lifetime like others.
It requires full payment at once, which can be very difficult for most people.
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Can You Go Blind From Lasik?
It’s a rare case to go blind from such surgery, and a case of such has never been recorded. Patients have a high risk of going blind from contact lens infection than going blind from Lasik.
Although, when care and healthy procedures associated with Lasik are not observed, it can lead to some complications that can cause blindness. You should know that Lasik surgery doesn’t cause blindness, but complications can.
To avoid these complications, you should follow the aftercare procedures set by your surgeon. If you notice any alarming circumstances after your Lasik surgery, it’s advisable to contact your surgeon or ophthalmologist to prevent any unwanted results or situations.
The American Refractive Surgery Council (ARSC) recently published that 90% of people who got Lasik surgery were delighted with the process. Also, their vision got to 20/20.
Lasik eye surgery can have side effects like any surgery, and certain factors may exacerbate these side effects, leading to severe complications.
Complications from Lasik surgery may lead to vision blindness or loss. Lasik has a high success rate and fewer complications, despite these side effects.
In rare cases, Lasik surgery causes a person to lose a few lines of vision on the vision chart but doesn’t result in legal blindness. Other side effects from the surgery include temporary visual disturbances like starbursts or halos and decreased night vision.
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How Is Lasik Surgery Done?
Performing Lasik surgery is a straightforward process. Firstly, you will need to see a specialist who will inquire into and keep records of your medical records thoroughly.
They will also take all the necessary measurements needed to reshape your cornea into consideration on or before your surgery day.
Before your surgery operation, they will administer drops that can numb your eyes and sedatives that can keep you comfortable.
During the operation, a laser is used to create a flap in the cornea. The cornea is then reshaped by the surgeon, thereby correcting your vision.
The reshaping process depends on the strength of your prescription, your vision problem, and whether you have astigmatism.
Most people are out of surgery quicker than expected, and after a short recovery time in the surgery room or surgeon’s office, you can go home.
After the surgery, you may go home with some antibiotics and steroid drops to help reduce or half the risk of infection, eye dryness, or any inflammation.
Dry eyes are one of the side effects of Lasik eye surgery. They can be severely 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 often advises the patient to be careful of the flap as it is still healing. They also recommend avoiding rubbing or any activity that can tear the flap.
A good doctor will always discuss the symptoms or issues related to Lasik surgery. They will advise on how to go about one’s daily life till the flap gets healed completely, even if most people don’t experience any problems during the healing.
If you experience mild pains for more than two days after the surgery, you should contact your surgeon for a check-up.
Apart from these issues, another concern related to eye health is that some patients will require a second Lasik surgery as they age.
This is required to correct any new arising vision problem. A second Lasik surgery is more complex and riskier than the first.
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Is Lasek Better Than Lasik?
Lasek and Lasik are both used to treat eye surgical problems. They both involve the use of laser eye surgical procedures. Also, they both are used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Both of them work mainly to reshape and correct the cornea to vision. Lasik is considered one of the most successful yet common refractive surgeries. It has a short healing time.
The majority of people reported satisfaction with their vision after their Lasik surgery procedures (according to the U. S. FDA).
Lasik is not considered for everyone, but they sometimes prefer Lasek. Some less experienced surgeons prefer Lasek. It is a little invasive and optimal for many people.
In Lasik surgery, a corneal flap is created using a femtosecond laser but in Lasek, the cornea’s outer layer is removed and later replaced.
This replacement will take a few days to regenerate. People with thin corneas and less tissue experience difficulty while harvesting during Lasik surgery and need to switch to using Lasek as a good option.
However, both Lasek and Lasik can correct vision with positive results. If you are confused on which form of eye surgery to use, get an assessment from your surgeon or ophthalmologist to determine which is right for you.
How Long Is Recovery For Lasik?
The recovery period of Lasik varies depending on several factors, but generally, it is known to last for about six to 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 up to weeks before they can have clear vision again.
Immediately after the surgery, they advise most patients to avoid driving, watching television, or getting involved in anything that could strain their vision. The next day after the surgery, they advise patients to see their surgeon for check-ups.
Most patients can go about their daily activities while they advise some to use eye drops or other drugs that can help with their sight as they are not fully recovered.
After the Lasik surgery, you will quickly get to notice change in your vision, and as time goes on, you will also notice improvements.
During the recovery phase, you should ensure regular check- up on your vision by meeting your surgeon regularly.
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What Is The Success Rate Of Lasik?
Before going for Lasik surgery, you will want to know what percentage of Lasik surgery has proven to be a success.
Well, a lot of this surgery has proven to be successful, thereby increasing its success rate.
Recent research shows that 99 percent of patients have been able to achieve a 20/40 vision. Also, more than 90 percent achieved 20/20 or better results.
Furthermore, 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 in need.
Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Lasik?
Not everyone is good for Lasik surgery but they can as well consider Lasek surgery. You can’t be a suitable candidate for Lasik if you:
- are below 18; your eyes are still growing and performing surgery is not a good alternative.
- are over 40 years; your cornea might have become thinner due to the old age and surgery on such cornea can complicate cutting of the flaps.
- noticed a change in your vision prescription over the last year; this could indicate that your eye is changing and it isn’t suitable for surgery yet.
- have any autoimmune diseases.
- are pregnant or nursing a baby.
- have serious dry eyes.
- have glaucoma; Lasik in this instance can impact eye pressure.
Does Insurance Cover Lasik?
You have known that the cost of Lasik is expensive and a good option out is insurance. But then; does insurance cover Lasik? Or do you have to pay it all alone?
First, most insurance companies consider Lasik surgery as an elective procedure and don’t cover or pay for it.
However, some companies have exceptions to this and might cover up some or a particular payment amount.
You can get to know if your insurance company covers it by reviewing your insurance policy.
When Does Insurance Cover Lasik?
Most companies not considering Lasik makes it very difficult for some adults to pay for Lasik surgery, there are times when some of them cover Lasik but, when exactly does insurance cover Lasik?
Insurance covers Lasik when it’s considered medically necessary. Lasik surgery is considered medically necessary if you experience any eye injury.
Surgery is necessary to correct your injury in cases like this and could be covered by insurance.
Also, if you have difficulty wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, Lasik surgery is required and might be covered by Lasik insurance.
Complications of Lasik
Complications are due to secondary issues and not generally from Lasik surgery itself.
For instance, infections can arise if aftercare procedures are not properly followed. This infection can lead to severe complications, including possible blindness.
Due to this, it is advisable that after Lasik, you should follow all instructions given by your surgeon and also go for regular check-ups to minimize the risk and speed up the healing process.
Try not to strain your eyes or rub them too hard, use eye drops, and stick to the time given for returning activities like swimming, going out in the sun, working, contact sports, using your computer or smartphone, and watching TV.
If more of the person’s cornea needs to be altered, healing time might be longer, and risk factors can increase.
FAQs on Does Insurance Cover Lasik
People get laser eye surgeries because it is quick with little or no side effects.
Yes, it can, so doctors usually advise you avoid it for some time.
No, the laser can’t burn your eyes. The lasers are focused on reshaping the cornea.
No, Lasik is not painful but can cause minor discomforts and irritations that some people consider pain.
Yes, Lasik is permanent, but you must go for yearly checks a few months after the surgery.
Conclusion
Insurance doesn’t cover Lasik, except if the cause of the eye surgical treatment is very reasonable; insurance can cover part or a particular amount of the treatment.
Lasik treatment without insurance is costly but worth it. At times, it can result in complications that can be severe to the eyes.
Hopefully, this article answers the question does insurance cover Lasik?
Reference
- news-medical.net – What is Lasik?
- en.m.wikipedia.org – Lasik
- golasik.net – Can you go blind from Lasik?
- nvisioncenters.com – Lasik and Lasek
- austineye.com – How long does it take to recover from Lasik?
- omaha.vancethompsonvision.com – What is the Lasik success rate?
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