Breaking Down the Cost of LASIK Eye Surgery in Singapore

One of the biggest considerations before undergoing a LASIK eye surgery in Singapore is the overall costs. The truth is, this type of surgery can be expensive for most people.

While LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for those with relatively poor vision, it can easily set you back thousands of dollars.

How much would everything actually cost? Is there a way to minimise the expenses of getting LASIK surgery in Singapore?

To help you make a more informed decision, we’ll answer these questions and more in the article below!

What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK, also known as Laser-Assisted In situ Keratomileusis, is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects common vision problems such as astigmatism, myopia, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.

It involves reshaping your cornea, allowing light to refract and enter your retina better, thereby helping you see more clearly.

It’s a great option for the squeamish and those afraid to go under the knife as there are no knives and needles involved. It’s a painless and minimal treatment that takes just about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.

There’s also no downtime, so you can get back to your daily routine immediately. However, you'll have to avoid contact and water sports for at least 30 days.

How much does LASIK eye surgery cost in Singapore?

When it comes to LASIK eye surgery cost, expect to spend around $2,500 to $6,000 for both eyes depending on the clinic, excluding initial consultations, follow-ups and aftercare.

The actual cost will depend on the type of surgery and the clinic you’ll go to. Both public and private clinics in Singapore offer LASIK eye surgery.

You’ll be surprised to know that there isn’t much of a difference between the cost of LASIK at public and private clinics. Of course, private ones will still be more expensive.

In fact, clinics and hospitals in Singapore aren’t encouraged to give discounts for LASIK treatments out of concern that people will take them up unnecessarily.

What makes LASIK surgery expensive?

The cost of LASIK eye surgery in Singapore can be broken down into three: evaluation, the actual procedure, and post-operative medication.

To undergo any vision correction procedure, you’ll need to undergo a comprehensive eye evaluation to know if you’re qualified for it. Consultation fees for LASIK typically range from $100 to $250, depending on the seniority of the doctor.

Next is the actual cost of the surgery. The price range for standard LASIK eye surgery is virtually similar across public and private clinics, often ranging from $2,500 to $6,000.

Public clinics will have slightly lower fees than private ones, but the waiting time might be longer. It’s ideal to have the surgery planned months ahead if you’re going with public clinics.

After the operation, you’ll have to take prescribed medication such as steroids, antibiotics, or eyedrops. These medicines may cost you an additional $100 to $200.

Can I use Medisave for my LASIK eye surgery?

Usually not, but it depends on your situation.

Medisave is reserved for medical and surgical procedures. While LASIK is technically a surgical procedure, it’s as much as a cosmetic one.

Here are the instances that you may use Medisave to offset your LASIK eye surgery costs:

You cannot tolerate contact lenses or spectacles, as certified by your physician.You need LASIK to correct errors from previous procedures such as cataract surgery.You have a difference of 300 degrees or more between your two eyes.