LASIK surgery has been around for many decades. While this demonstrates the reliability and effectiveness of the procedure, it sometimes leaves people wondering if it’s still worth undergoing in 2024. 

Actually, LASIK has come a long way since its early days. Advances have led to a new form of LASIK surgery called IntraLASIK. IntraLASIK is a blade-free laser eye surgery that corrects common vision problems with more precision than traditional LASIK and even better outcomes.

At Peña Eye Institute, Dr. Raul A. Peña provides IntraLASIK and traditional LASIK in Harlingen, TX, and is happy to discuss which treatment may be best for your needs. 

While IntraLASIK is more advanced than traditional LASIK, traditional LASIK is extremely safe and highly effective at improving vision, making it a great option for many patients. With this in mind, let’s take a moment to consider the benefits and cost considerations of LASIK eye surgery. 

About LASIK

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a refractive eye surgery used to reshape the cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

With traditional LASIK, a flap is made in the cornea using a small blade to expose the corneal tissue so that it can be reshaped and vision corrected. Once complete, the flap is then put back in place and closes on its own within a day or two following surgery.

IntraLASIK is an advanced LASIK procedure that is performed completely blade-free. With IntraLASIK, the corneal flap is made using a special laser, allowing greater precision and control. Like with traditional LASIK, once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is put back in place and will close on its own.  

The Benefits of LASIK

Both LASIK and IntraLASIK offer many benefits to patients who undergo either procedure. Both options provide benefits that may include:

• Improved vision
• Both procedures are quick, taking as little as 5 minutes per eye
• Improved confidence for many who prefer not to wear eyeglasses 
• Long-term savings when eyeglasses and contact lenses are no longer needed
• Results are noticeable nearly immediately 
• Recovery is fast with most people able to resume their normal activities within a couple of days of surgery

With all of these benefits and more, LASIK is well worth undergoing in 2024.

How Much Does LASIK Cost?

Because each patient has unique vision needs, the exact cost of LASIK surgery will vary. Some things that can affect cost are:

• The amount of correction needed: When refractive errors are more severe and require greater correction, final costs may be higher. 
• Astigmatism: It’s common for patients with one type of refractive error, like nearsightedness, to also have astigmatism. Treating astigmatism in addition to another refractive error may raise the costs of LASIK.
• Advanced technology: IntraLASIK is more advanced than traditional LASIK. While both are great options, IntraLASIK generally costs slightly more than traditional LASIK.

With this in mind, it’s best to speak with a LASIK surgeon to determine your expected costs. 

Financing Can Help LASIK Fit Your Budget

Most health insurance companies don’t cover LASIK surgery because it is generally not considered medically necessary. While this may lead some to think LASIK is outside of their budget, medical financing companies, like Care Credit®, can help our Harlingen patients find a financing option that fits within their budget so that they can enjoy the benefits of LASIK surgery. 

Schedule a Consultation at Peña Eye Institute

For more information about LASIK and to discuss your expected costs, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at the Peña Eye Institute in Harlingen.