Does LASIK count as surgery?
Asked by: Ms. Alisa Crist MD | Last update: August 27, 2025Score: 5/5 (7 votes)
Is LASIK considered a surgery?
LASIK eye surgery is the best known and most commonly performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) can be an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.
Can I claim LASIK surgery on my taxes?
As LASIK is a treatment to correct defective vision, it is a medical expense which can be deducted from a patient's taxes.
Is LASIK ever covered by insurance?
In most cases, no. LASIK is considered an elective procedure, which means it typically isn't covered by insurance. However, some insurance companies may offer partial coverage or discounts for LASIK surgery. It's always worth inquiring with your insurer to see if they offer any LASIK discounts or special arrangements.
Does laser count as surgery?
Laser surgery is a type of surgery that uses special light beams instead of instruments for surgical procedures.
FDA re-evaluates Lasik eye surgery
Is laser treatment called surgery?
Laser surgery uses a laser (an intense beam of light) to make bloodless cuts in tissue. It is also called laser therapy, photoablation or photocoagulation. Laser surgery is most often combined with other cancer treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
What is the age limit for Lasik eye surgery?
Age Limits for Eye Surgery
The FDA has approved LASIK for anyone above the age of 18. This is the only actual rule when it comes to the age factor. Adult vision is typically at its most healthy between the ages of 19 and 40. Anyone within this age bracket is a good candidate for refractive eye surgery.
How much did LASIK cost you?
On average, the life-changing procedure costs around $4,500 for both eyes, with costs determined by several factors.
Is LASIK considered cosmetic surgery?
Cost savings: Even though LASIK is considered a cosmetic procedure, over the long term it is often a cheaper alternative to contacts or glasses.
How long does LASIK last?
While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of this surgery will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.
Does LASIK count towards your deductible?
The downside is that Lasik discounts through your health insurance are not included in the plan's coverage. That means any costs for Lasik will fall outside of your health insurance plan's deductibles and copayments.
What qualifies as a deductible medical expense?
Medical treatments such as surgeries and preventative care are tax-deductible. Prescription medications and necessary items such as glasses and hearing aids are also tax-deductible, and you can even deduct travel expenses such as parking fees, bus fare and gas mileage on your car.
Can I claim LASIK?
No. Since laser eye surgery is an elective procedure, Medicare does not provide a rebate for the cost of the procedure.
How long after LASIK can I see 20/20?
While most folks reach 20/20 vision within a few weeks or months, it might take longer for others. Your vision can even improve up to six months after LASIK!
Who Cannot go for LASIK?
- You required a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the past year. This is called refractive instability. ...
- You have a disease or are on medications that may affect wound healing. ...
- You actively participate in contact sports. ...
- You are not an adult.
How many people get LASIK a year?
How many LASIK surgeries per year? According to WebMD, on average 700,000 people receive LASIK eye surgery each year. The year with the highest rate of cases was 2000 with 1.4 million people receiving the procedure.
Is Lasik eye surgery considered a surgery?
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery. This kind of surgery uses a laser to treat vision problems caused by refractive errors. You have a refractive error when your eye does not refract (bend) light properly.
Why doesn't insurance cover LASIK?
Because LASIK is an elective surgery, more often than not it is not covered by insurance. However, some non-standard vision insurance plans, such as VSP or EyeMed, may offer benefits or discounts. Some of these benefits might include additional services and savings for people who are interested in LASIK.
What disqualifies me from LASIK?
Injuries, Diabetes and Glaucoma
A thorough examination would be needed to fully evaluate someone with a history of eye trauma or scarring to see if they were a candidate for LASIK. People who have weakened immune systems may not be a candidate for laser eye surgery due to the concern of healing issues postoperatively.
How much LASIK can cost?
20,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh depending on several factors. On average, the cost of a LASIK eye surgery costs around Rs. 60,000 for both eyes.
Is LASIK painful?
LASIK eye surgery offers a nearly pain-free experience for most individuals, thanks to anesthetic eye drops, advanced laser technology, and minimally invasive techniques.
Are you awake during LASIK?
Short Answer: Yes. The vast majority of patients are awake during LASIK and other forms of laser eye surgeries. General anaesthesia, which induces sleep, is not used in these procedures. Instead, patients are typically given numbing eye drops and may be offered a mild sedative to help them remain calm.
At what age is LASIK not worth it?
How Old is Too Old for LASIK? Surgeons at The Eye Institute of Utah have performed LASIK on patients in their 50's and beyond. While there is no cutoff age for LASIK candidacy, there are several reasons why the average age of LASIK patients tops out around 45: The risk of developing cataracts increases as we age.
How much is LASIK with insurance?
The average cost of Lasik eye surgery is $2,632 per eye. When paying full price, rates typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 per eye. A discount from your health insurance company can often save you about $715 per eye, and a vision insurance discount averages a savings of $948 per eye.
How long does LASIK take to heal?
Within a few hours, your vision will become a lot clearer and you can usually drive after just 24-hours. Of course, it takes a bit longer for the eye to fully heal following surgery, usually 6 months. And all during this time, you should expect your vision to continue to improve.