LASIK - Costs Can Be Bargained For!
Nothing has made as much mark in the ocular world as LASIK surgeries. LASIK, or to give it its proper name, Laser-Assisted in-SItu Keratomileusis, is an almost miraculous form of eye treatment that can treat extremely common problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Added to that, it is an almost perfect surgical method at most times, which can be completed within five minutes for both eyes, and provide lasting good vision. Of course, such a highly efficient surgical method cannot be without its high costs too.
The common perception is that LASIK is an extremely expensive surgery, and this cannot be denied. It is indeed pricier than other surgical methods for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. However, the thing that you should know is, LASIK costs can fluctuate widely depending on several things. This can even make it possible for you to find better bargains for the surgical procedure.
LASIK costs mainly depend on the kind of laser that is used. Most people think that lasers are only of one type, but this is as far from the truth as it can be possible. There are many different types of laser. More of them are being discovered all the time, and the newer the laser technology is, the costlier the operation will be. LASIK surgery is almost 25 years old, and in this time several laser technologies have come and gone. The newer ones have made the surgery as expensive as it is today.
The old excimer laser technology is still affordable, and much cheaper than the newest Allegro Wave laser technology. Excimer laser beam is actually a group of laser beams with differing wavelengths. This eighties style laser, used in fact by the developers of the LASIK operation themselves - including Rangaswamy Srinivasan - are still in great demand today. And they are cheaper than the Allegro Wave. But to the Allegro Wave's credit; the FDA approves it.
You can save costs in some other ways too. The tool used to open up the flaps of the cornea of the eye could make some cost difference. Three tools have been popularly used. The first tool was the scalpel, which is still used today by many LASIK surgeons. Microkeratomes were the next development in this field. However, now lasers have made their strong hold here. Lasers are certainly the costliest methods, while the scalpel is the cheapest. You must bear in mind that laser will produce a much more permanent solution to the eye problem than the scalpel, but that will also increase the costs highly.
If you spend some time making appointments with different LASIK surgeons and inquiring about their techniques used, you will be able to reach at a suitable price level. This is not actually bargaining, but if you shop around, you will get a price you like. However, you must remember that low prices will have some compensations of their own.