Cost of Laser Eye Surgery in Canada

Laser eye surgery is a fantastic option for those who want to improve their vision. It’s not just for people who have poor eyesight—it can also be used to correct vision problems like astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia (the inability to focus on objects close up).

The procedure itself is relatively painless and takes only a few minutes. But there are some risks involved: you might experience dry eyes or sensitivity to light after the surgery. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes after the procedure until they’re fully healed.

Cost of Laser Eye Surgery in Canada

It’s important to note that laser eye surgery can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 per eye and is typically not covered by insurance plans.

While the idea of improved vision is appealing, cost is a primary question for many people considering laser eye surgery. Here’s everything you need to know about laser eye surgery and its cost in Canada:

What is the price range of Laser Eye Surgery procedures in Canada?

There is a wide range of laser eye surgery cost in Canada. From a starting point of about $500 up to thousands of dollars per eye, but the average price falls around $2,000 per eye. Costs of refractive lens exchange tend to run higher than those of laser eye surgery.

Vision prescription strength, surgeon experience, laser technology used and the surgical procedure itself can all influence the associated cost. And, since pricing packages vary among service providers, it’s important for prospective patients to ask questions about what’s included in order to avoid surprises.

Pre-operative and post-operative consultations, including all eye testing, are commonly included. Other costs to consider could be certain types of post-surgery prescription medication; bandage contact lenses; protective glasses or possible laser vision enhancement surgeries in the future.

How can I finance my laser eye surgery?

Some clinics have options for surgery financing. Since laser eye surgery is considered an elective procedure, it is not normally covered under insurance policies.

However, the procedure is an eligible expense under a Health Spending Account (HSA). That means, the entire cost of laser eye surgery can be deducted as a pre-tax expense. A Health Spending Account is a cost-effective plan specifically built for small business owners to reduce their medical expenses. It turns after-tax personal medical expenses into before-tax business expenses. 

A Health Spending Account is not just limited to Laser Eye Surgery. There are many eligible medical expenses:

• prescription glasses
• contact lenses
• massage therapy
• physio therapy
• prescription drugs

How Much Does Laser Eye Surgery Cost in Canada?

Laser eye surgery has come a long way in recent years, both in terms of effectiveness and cost. Now more than ever, laser eye surgery should be on your radar—not just for yourself but for your employees. 

Offering comprehensive group benefits is one of the best ways to attract and keep top talent, and that includes vision coverage. Laser eye surgery cost can vary widely between surgery types, as well as by clinic and province, but is generally on the pricy side to pay for out of pocket. Here’s a quick overview of the cost of laser eye surgery in Canada, along with coverage options you might consider adding to your benefits package.

Laser Eye Correction Procedures

LASIK surgery isn’t the only game in town when it comes to laser vision correction—there are other options. For the most part, though, prices are similar. Laser eye surgery procedures can cost as low as $500 per eye, but the median advertised price tends to fall closer to $2,000 per eye. Keep in mind that total end costs can vary from this initial estimate. 

LASIK

LASIK eye surgery is a complicated procedure using lasers and other advanced technology to make minute adjustments to the eye. Since LASIK has been around for a while, there are a few procedure variants. LASIK surgery using older technology (such as using a blade to cut the cornea of the eye instead of a laser) can cost less but may be less precise. 

Custom LASIK, for example, can use Wavefront technology to map the inside of the patient’s eye better. This allows the surgeon controlling the excimer laser to be more precise than with standard LASIK. 

Typically, the most current LASIK procedures cost more than $1,000 per eye, though this price can increase based on a variety of potential factors, including: 

• The amount of vision correction needed
• The technology used in the procedure
• Inclusion of pre-operative consultations and post-operative visits
• Limited-time offers and specials

PRK

PRK is a very similar procedure to LASIK, but the healing process is slightly different. During the LASIK procedure, the surgeon cuts a flap away from the outside of the eye, then replaces it and allows it to heal when the procedure is over. 

On the other hand, during PRK surgery, the surgeon cuts a portion of the outer eye away permanently— just enough to effectively reshape the cornea itself—before using the laser to reshape the inner eye. Eventually, the outside of the eye will recover and heal the lost portion of the cornea. 

PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK. While both procedures require several months to heal fully, those who receive LASIK will start to see results in a matter of days. 

SMILE

SMILE laser surgery, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a relatively new procedure designed to correct nearsightedness. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a laser to isolate a lens-shaped portion of tissue, then removes it through a small incision in the cornea. 

This short and simple procedure is similar to LASIK, but because the surgeon does not cut a full corneal flap, the recovery process is even faster and easier. However, SMILE can’t be used to correct farsightedness or astigmatism. 

SMILE has several other noticeable advantages over PRK and LASIK for those who are eligible, but unfortunately, it does have some restrictions. For example, as an emerging procedure (and one dependent on the Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser), it is slightly more expensive than LASIK, usually starting at around $2,500 to $3,000 per eye. 

Even so, this extra cost may be worth it for some, especially with the other advantages that SMILE provides. Dry eye, one of the most common side effects of PRK and LASIK, is much less prevalent with SMILE procedures, for example. It is also a better option than LASIK for those who have trouble tolerating contact lenses or have thin corneas.

Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a slightly different eye surgery procedure that involves swapping out the eye’s natural lens for an artificial one. These artificial lenses are designed to correct vision issues that LASIK, PRK, and SMILE can’t fix, especially problems with extreme farsightedness. 

During the RLE procedure, the surgeon cuts into the patient’s cornea (often using a powerful laser) and implants a special lens. This lens reduces the need for reading glasses and contact lenses for up-close focusing. Additionally, if both eyes need surgery, they are done one at a time, with a short time allowed for recovery in-between visits. 

Lenses designed for correcting nearsightedness exist as well—called Phakic IOLs—but they are less common because LASIK, PRK, and SMILE can produce the same results. As such, most refractive lens exchange procedures correct farsightedness instead. 

The IOL (intraocular lens) implanted in the eye is uniquely designed for each patient. Each type is designed to fix a different type of refractive error. These types include:

• Monofocal fixed IOLs to correct vision at a single distance
• Multifocal IOLs to correct vision at multiple distances
• Accommodating IOLs to correct vision at multiple distances by shifting within the eye

Because RLE is done with an artificial lens instead of reshaping the eye itself via laser technology, there is little to no risk of long-term degradation or reversion of the procedure. However, RLE does have its own list of potential side effects, such as unintended movement of the lens. 

Lasik Eye Surgery Cost Ontario

LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure that can correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In Ontario, the cost of LASIK eye surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, and the technology used. It is important to understand the different components that contribute to the overall cost of LASIK eye surgery in Ontario.

Factors Affecting the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery

There are several factors that can affect the cost of LASIK eye surgery in Ontario:

1. Clinic Reputation: Clinics with a good reputation and experienced surgeons may charge higher fees for LASIK eye surgery.Surgeon Experience: Surgeons with more experience and expertise in performing LASIK eye surgery may charge higher fees.Technology Used: Clinics that use advanced technology for LASIK eye surgery may charge higher fees for the procedure.Pre- and Post-Operative Care: The cost of LASIK eye surgery may include pre- and post-operative care, such as consultations, follow-up appointments, and medications.
Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery in Ontario

The cost of LASIK eye surgery in Ontario can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye. This cost may or may not include pre- and post-operative care. It is important to inquire about what is included in the cost of LASIK eye surgery when researching clinics in Ontario.

Comparison of LASIK Eye Surgery Costs in Ontario Clinics

It is important to research and compare the costs of LASIK eye surgery in different clinics in Ontario to find the best option that fits your budget and needs. Additionally, some clinics may offer financing options or payment plans to help make LASIK eye surgery more affordable.Overall, the cost of LASIK eye surgery in Ontario can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic, surgeon experience, and technology used. It is important to research and compare the costs of LASIK eye surgery in different clinics to find the best option for your vision correction needs.