The cost of Lasik surgery can vary widely. The average cost can be any where from $499 to $2,500. Depending on the experience of the surgeon and the region the eye institute is located in will greatly affect the cost of any procedure.  The technology and refractive error will also affect the cost of the procedure. Patients that live in a metropolitan area will incur higher costs because the institutes will be competing to stay ahead of the competition by using advanced or new technology.

The cost of Lasik surgery does not only include fee to the surgeon, but commonly will include a wide range of fee. For example, the manufacture of the equipment being used might receive royalties every time a procedure is completed on a patient. Here is a list of common fee charged by institutes:

• Royalties to a laser manufacturer.
• Any maintenance or purchases of surgical or technical equipment.
• Surgical gowns and possibly other sterile and disposable materials
• Medications including anesthesia, eye drops, and oral pain medications
• Rent for the uses of surgical and office facilities.
• The payment of surgical and office staff salaries
• Cover expenses of advertising fees
• Pre- and post-operative evaluations following the procedure 
• The cost of post-surgical enhancements if necessary

It is important for potential patients to discuss all fees with the surgeon before proceeding with the procedure. It is your right to know what fees are included in full price of the procedure. You do not want to have to pay for a service that you will not be using. You will want to research all available institutes and make your decision solely on the quality of care that the facility will be offering. Remember that some of the cost of the procedure is normally based on the experience of the surgeon.