The cost of laser eye surgery: What you should know

// Augenlaserzentrum Franken

Who covers the costs of laser eye surgery (LASIK)?

Wearing a visual aid is not a medical treatment, so contact lenses and glasses are only aids to correct the visual impairment. To alleviate the disease or prevent a deterioration in vision, laser surgery (LASIK) may be medically necessary.

While private health insurance companies cover the costs fully or partially, a medical report from the treating ophthalmologist is generally required. However, statutory health insurance companies classify this surgical method as a cosmetic procedure and do not cover the associated costs. Nevertheless, this should not deter you from undergoing the surgery if it is recommended, as the costs are reasonable and far outweigh the benefits to your quality of life. At the Franken Eye Laser Center, we treat you according to the latest medical findings, using state-of-the-art equipment and surgical techniques. Our friendly, empathetic, and qualified team is always available to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. Laser eye surgery.

Regardless of whether you have private or statutory insurance, we generally recommend that you consult your health insurance provider beforehand.

Glasses & Co. do not eliminate the causes of visual impairment

Visual aids such as glasses or contact lenses only correct a visual impairment, but do not eliminate its causes. If the cause of a visual impairment or corneal curvature is to be eliminated, only a surgical procedure directly on the cornea will help. The cost of treatment varies depending on the type of visual impairment and the condition of the cornea.

The Franken Eye Laser Center will gladly explain how the Eye laser costs put together.

Who is LASIK suitable for?

In principle, LASIK is suitable for any adult over the age of 18. However, particularly good results are achieved from the age of 23. From the age of 40, when most people start to have problems with presbyopia, LASIK is also often possible. However, other factors are important to ensure that the newly gained vision is maintained in the long term: The visual acuity must be within certain limits. The following values represent ideal conditions and do not have to be strictly adhered to. Ultimately, an individual examination will decide which treatment makes sense for you.

LASIK operations are performed for the following eye conditions: short-sightedness from -0.75 to -10 diopters, long-sightedness between 1 and 4 diopters and astigmatism of up to 6 diopters. Presbyopia can be corrected with laser eye surgery, but sometimes an implanted contact lens is more suitable for correcting the visual impairment.

// Augenlaserzentrum Franken

You have to reckon with these costs

Laser eye surgery Costs depend on your previous illness, the condition of the cornea and the surgical method used. The most commonly used surgical method is Femto-LASIK. It is a minimally invasive surgical technique. No scalpels are used. It is a standardized, safe procedure.

1. Standard LASIK surgery

LASIK is the most well-known method for correcting refractive errors and has been used since 1989. In the past 30 years, more than 17 million people have undergone LASIK surgery, resulting in a wealth of experience that we at the Franken Eye Laser Center can draw upon. We have also performed numerous LASIK procedures in our practice. During the procedure, an ultra-thin corneal flap is incised and folded back. Previously, we used a special scalpel called a microkeratome for this. The laser then reshapes the cornea, thereby improving the eye's refractive power. In cases of nearsightedness, corneal tissue is removed from the central area; in cases of farsightedness, from the outer edges. Afterward, the eye is rinsed, and the flap is repositioned, where it heals easily. You can see clearly again after just one to two days. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, is painless, and only takes a few minutes. However, the procedure can only be performed if the cornea is sufficiently thick. The cost of this procedure starts at approximately €900 per eye. However, we no longer perform the so-called microkeratome LASIK because the advantages of modern FEMTO-LASIK outweigh the disadvantages and deliver safer and better results. 

 

 

2. Femto-LASIK

Femto-LASIK is a state-of-the-art advancement of standard LASIK. We perform it using the femtosecond laser. Only one laser is used. A flap 100 µm deep is created, leaving the outermost layer of the cornea almost intact. The laser sends light pulses into a precisely calculated corneal plane. Where the light beam hits, a tiny gas-water bubble forms. During the procedure, a series of these bubbles are created, forming a new, ultra-thin layer of tissue without any contact. Unlike standard LASIK, Femto-LASIK does NOT require a scalpel, which many patients greatly appreciate. All steps are performed with the laser. This results in greater safety and more precise outcomes. Another advantage of Femto-LASIK: Because the technique is so precise, surrounding tissue remains completely unaffected. The method is therefore very gentle and takes a maximum of 15-20 minutes; the laser treatment itself usually only lasts around 15-20 seconds (!). Healing is complete after two days, and postoperative pain is almost nonexistent. The cost starts at approximately €1,900 per eye.

// Augenlaserzentrum Franken

Laser eye surgery is suitable for most patients

Laser eye surgery is an option for all patients who are dependent on visual aids but no longer want to wear thick glasses.

Our treatment methods are not only extremely gentle and painless, they also usually last for the rest of your life and make wearing visual aids unnecessary.

We correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia and astigmatism using individual laser methods that give you clear vision without restrictions after just a few days. We would be happy to advise you as part of a thorough preliminary examination and let you know what costs you might incur.

Please feel free to call us without obligation at +49 911 477 540 54 and arrange a consultation appointment.

This is of course also available online at the email address info@augenarzt-frings.de possible or use our Appointment form.

At the Franken Eye Laser Center, you will receive treatment personally from PD Dr. med. Frings, based on the latest medical findings and using state-of-the-art equipment. We have locations in Bavaria: Nuremberg, Bayreuth, and Würzburg. One of them is sure to be near you. We look forward to your call!