Key points
- No lasers are FDA-approved for LASIK in people under 18, and a prescription change in the past year is a warning sign.
- According to the FDA, most medical insurance won't pay for refractive surgery.
- National averages from industry sources run about $1,500 to $3,500 per eye. We found no verified Boston prices.
- Serious complications are rare, but dry eye, glare, halos and trouble driving at night are real possibilities.
- LASIK can't correct or prevent presbyopia, the age-related loss of near focusing.
Who is a good LASIK candidate?
Only a full eye exam can tell you whether LASIK suits your eyes. Official sources do list warning signs worth raising at your first consultation. If any apply to you, ask the surgeon how they affect your options.
Warning signs the FDA and AAO list
- Age under 18. The FDA says no lasers are approved for LASIK in people under 18.
- A recent prescription change. A new glasses or contacts prescription in the past year signals refractive instability, which the FDA says is more likely in people in their early 20s or younger and in people whose hormones fluctuate because of diseases such as diabetes.
- Dry eye. The FDA says LASIK tends to worsen dry eyes, and the FTC says patients should be screened for dry eye beforehand.
- Blepharitis, which the FDA says raises the risk of corneal infection or inflammation.
- Previous refractive surgery, such as RK, PRK or LASIK.
- Other eye conditions. The AAO lists severe dry eye, corneal scars or disease, keratoconus, advanced glaucoma, a cataract affecting vision and a history of certain eye infections.
The FDA advises checking with your employer, professional society or military service before refractive surgery, because some jobs prohibit certain procedures.
The FDA makes one more point that's easy to skip: you're probably not a good candidate if you aren't comfortable taking risks. Some complications can't be avoided in a percentage of patients, and there is no long-term data on current procedures.
According to the FTC, LASIK cannot correct or prevent presbyopia, the age-related loss of near focusing. Ask the surgeon how reading vision fits into your plan.
Told LASIK isn't ideal for you? Our guide to SMILE, PRK and ICL explains the main alternatives.
How much LASIK costs
We found no reliable Boston-specific LASIK prices, so we don't quote any. The national figures below come from sources with a commercial stake: a vision benefits company, an industry council and a laser center chain. Use them as a rough frame, then get written quotes from the practices you're considering.
| Source | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| VSP (undated) | $1,500–$3,500 per eye on average | Member maximums per eye: $1,500 for PRK, $1,800 for LASIK, $2,300 for custom or bladeless |
| American Refractive Surgery Council (undated) | $4,492 for both eyes, about $2,250 per eye | National average |
| TLC Laser Eye Centers (Aug. 2024) | $1,500–$3,000 per eye national average | TLC's own standard fee is $2,495–$2,895 per eye |
| American Academy of Ophthalmology (2017) | $1,500–$3,000 per eye for laser surgery | Compared with about $4,000 per eye for a phakic lens |
What to ask about any quote
- Is the price per eye or for both eyes?
- Which procedure and technology does it cover? VSP's maximums put custom or bladeless treatment above standard LASIK.
- Are the pre-operative exam, medications and every follow-up visit included?
- Would further laser treatment cost extra? The AAO notes some side effects can be improved with more laser surgery.
- If you finance, what is the interest rate and the total you'll pay?
- What are the deposit and cancellation terms?
Insurance, HSA and FSA
The FDA states that most medical insurance won't pay for refractive surgery. Some vision benefit plans offer member pricing instead, as VSP's published maximums show. If you have a health savings account or flexible spending account, ask your plan administrator whether LASIK is an eligible expense. We haven't verified the tax rules for this guide.
LASIK risks, in plain terms
The AAO lists eye pain or discomfort, dry eye symptoms, glare, double vision and light sensitivity as risks, with eye infection and blindness as rare ones. These problems can often be improved with glasses, contacts or more laser surgery. Mayo Clinic adds that LASIK temporarily reduces tear production and that halos and reduced vision in dim light are possible. The FTC warns that you may not see as well after surgery, even with glasses or contacts, as you did with them before.
The AAO's review of complications says research shows serious problems are rare, and that a 2017 analysis of FDA data found the newest lasers cause significantly fewer side effects than older ones. It also notes that in a small number of patients, some side effects may be permanent.
The FDA's draft warning guidance
In December 2022, the FDA issued draft guidance saying patients should be warned about possible double vision, dry eyes, trouble driving at night and, rarely, ongoing eye pain (HealthDay). A January 2023 report said the FDA noted some patients have had severe depression or suicidal thoughts that could be linked to LASIK complications, though a causal link hasn't been proven, and that the draft asked manufacturers to give patients a checklist (Deseret News). We couldn't confirm whether the guidance has been finalized. Either way, ask your surgeon to go through the risks for the specific laser they use.
Before and after surgery
- Weeks beforeYour doctor may ask you to stop wearing contact lenses, because they can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. Ask exactly how long.
- Days beforeYou may be told to stop using makeup, lotions or perfume for a few days.
- ConsentYou'll discuss risks and benefits and sign an informed consent form. Take it home to read if you can, and bring your questions back.
- First hoursThe FTC says to expect mild burning for a few hours.
- First weeksThe FTC advises no sports for 3 days, no swimming, hot tubs or whirlpools for 2 weeks, and no impact sports for 4 weeks. Your own surgeon's instructions come first.
How to compare LASIK practices in Boston
- Confirm the surgeon's license and board certification yourself, using our verification guide.
- Ask who performs the pre-operative exam, who performs the surgery, and whether you'll meet the surgeon before surgery day.
- Ask how they screen for dry eye and prescription stability, two issues the FDA and FTC flag.
- Ask whether the practice also offers PRK, SMILE or lens-based options, so the advice isn't limited to a single procedure.
- Get an itemized written quote and compare it line by line with other practices.
- Find out whom you call after hours if something feels wrong, and how quickly you can be seen.
Frequently asked questions
How much does LASIK cost in Boston?
We haven't found reliable Boston-specific prices. National averages from industry sources run about $1,500 to $3,500 per eye, and the American Refractive Surgery Council puts the average for both eyes at $4,492. Ask each practice for an itemized written quote.
Does insurance cover LASIK?
According to the FDA, most medical insurance won't pay for refractive surgery. Some vision plans offer member pricing. If you have an HSA or FSA, ask your administrator whether LASIK qualifies.
Am I too young for LASIK?
No lasers are FDA-approved for LASIK in people under 18. The FDA also notes that people in their early 20s or younger are more likely to have a changing prescription, which is a warning sign.
Will LASIK mean I never need reading glasses?
No. The FTC says LASIK can't correct or prevent presbyopia, the age-related loss of near focusing.
When can I exercise after LASIK?
The FTC advises no sports for 3 days, no swimming or hot tubs for 2 weeks and no impact sports for 4 weeks. Follow your surgeon's instructions.
Sources
- When is LASIK not for me? — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- LASIK eye surgery — American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Facts about LASIK complications — American Academy of Ophthalmology
- The basics of LASIK eye surgery — Federal Trade Commission
- LASIK eye surgery — Mayo Clinic
- LASIK surgery should carry warnings of possible complications, FDA says — HealthDay
- FDA transparency on LASIK risk — Deseret News
- LASIK eye surgery cost — VSP
- Cost of LASIK — American Refractive Surgery Council
- How much does LASIK cost without insurance? — TLC Laser Eye Centers
- Phakic intraocular lenses for nearsightedness — American Academy of Ophthalmology
Last verified: November 6, 2026. Facts on this page were checked against the linked sources on that date. No practice pays to appear on this site.