Suppose the monthly hassle of ordering contact lenses, or the yearly eye exam for a new glasses prescription is tiresome and makes you second-guess how much you’re spending long-term. In that case, it might be time for a more permanent vision solution like EVO ICL or LASIK. As you transition from recurring expenses to a single, upfront investment, you may find it challenging to pinpoint which vision correction treatment is right for you. To help, we’ll outline EVO ICL cost vs. LASIK, long-term considerations, and financing options, so you can walk into your next eye surgery consultation clear on which procedure best fits your budget and long-term vision goals.
EVO ICL vs. LASIK – What Are These Vision Correction Options?
Before we dive into the costs of ICL and LASIK, let’s take a brief look at what these vision correction options are in case this is the first time you’re coming across them.
|
Feature |
EVO ICL |
LASIK |
|
Procedure + Duration |
Biocompatible implantable lens inserted behind the iris. 20-30 minutes under local anesthesia with numbing eye drops. |
A thin flap is made and the corneal tissue is reshaped with a laser to correct refractive errors. 30 minutes under local anesthesia with numbing eye drops. |
|
What It Treats |
Ideal for moderate to high myopia or astigmatism. |
Suitable for mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism |
|
Who It’s For |
Appropriate for those under 21 or over 45, particularly with age-related vision changes and thin corneas. |
LASIK is often preferred for individuals in their 20s to early 40s with stable prescriptions. |
|
Advantages |
Reversible; preserves corneal tissue. |
Immediate vision improvement. |
|
Disadvantages |
Higher cost. |
Possible dry eye; halos or glare. |
|
Cost |
$3,000-$5,000/eye. |
$3,000-$4,500/eye |
|
Recovery |
Quick |
|
EVO ICL cost vs. LASIK – What You’ll Pay & What’s Included With the Cost
The national cost of these two procedures varies widely as factors like surgeon expertise and reputation, geographic area, facility fees, the technology used, and pre-and-postoperative care influence the price. Here’s a general price range for each, and what that cost includes:
- LASIK: $3,000 to $4,500/eye and includes preoperative consultations, the procedure, and follow-up visits.
- EVO ICL: $3,000 to $5,000/eye and includes preoperative assessments, the cost of your lens implant, surgical fees, and postoperative care.
The national average cost for LASIK is approximately $2,632 per eye, while the EVO ICL procedure is more expensive than LASIK at $3,000-$5,000 per eye due to the technology needed to insert the biocompatible ICL lens.
Is The Cost of ICL and LASIK Worth It? Long-term Considerations
When evaluating EVO vs LASIK costs, you must go beyond the initial investment and also consider the long-term benefits and savings that each procedure offers.
Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings.
If we use the national costs, you’re spending about $5,200 for both eyes with LASIK and $6,000-10,000 for EVO ICL. Now, if you were to stick with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses and paid out approximately $600/year for regular prescriptions, lens replacements, and necessary accessories, the cost of your eye care could exceed $15,000-25,000 across your lifetime.
- While it may take several years to reach that breakeven point after surgery—typically around 7-10 years—the cost of EVO ICL and LASIK ultimately represents a sound investment in your vision.
Lifestyle Benefits.
Both EVO ICL and LASIK provide the freedom to engage in activities without the hassle of glasses or contacts. For active individuals, this means you could swim, enjoy sports, or hike out to remote locations without worrying about your eyewear.
Future Procedures.
Another important factor to consider when comparing EVO ICL cost vs LASIK is the flexibility for future vision correction.
- EVO ICL’s Reversibility. A key benefit of EVO ICL is its reversibility. If your vision changes over time or if you develop conditions like presbyopia, your LASIK surgeon can remove or replace the lens without altering your cornea.
- LASIK Adjustments. While LASIK is effective for many patients, some may require enhancements or touch-up procedures later on, which can add to the overall cost.
What Does Financing the Cost of EVO ICL and LASIK Look Like?
Understanding financing options is crucial for managing the costs of EVO ICL and LASIK procedures. Common financing plans include:
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), allow you to use pre-tax dollars for your procedure if offered by your employer.
- CareCredit provides flexible payment plans that may include no down payment and 0% interest for 12-24 months.
- Promotional Rates. Look out for special promotions from clinics that offer discounts or lower rates for specific groups of people like military personnel.
Guiding You to a Clearer Tomorrow at Best LASIK Surgeons
Ready to explore LASIK or EVO ICL? Find a qualified LASIK surgeon near you with our national directory, and connect with a top LASIK surgeon in your local area. By consulting with a skilled surgeon today, you can receive a personalized quote based on your vision needs along with available financing options, so that your journey to a clear vision is financially stress-free.
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About the Author Written by Dr. Michael Shumski, M.D., M.S.E.
Dr. Shumski is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract & refractive surgery at Magruder Laser Vision in central Florida.
