How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery in Mexico Cost?

An Introduction to LASIK Eye Surgery and Its Cost

LASIK (the laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the most common surgical eye procedure for candidates who depend on glasses or contact lenses due to hazy vision. It corrects near and farsightedness and astigmatism, and it involves the reshaping of the cornea. Ophthalmologists utilize precise lasers to remove thin corneal tissues. This will alter the way light enters the eyes, so you will see the objects clearly.  In general, LASIK eye surgery costs between $1,500 and $3,500 for one eye in the United States.  If you need treatment for both eyes, the total expense can climb to $3,000- $7,000, depending on the clinic, surgeon’s expertise, and technology used.

Typically, LASIK costs are charged per eye and include the surgery itself, as well as pre- and post-operative tests. Surgery costs in the United States can be a significant burden for many, as most health insurance policies typically do not cover elective procedures. Many consider treatment abroad to avoid the high costs of at-home treatment.

How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost in Mexico?

Mexico LASIK eye surgery costs between $900 and $2,000 per eye. The exact price in Mexico varies with the surgeon, city, and the technology used for diagnosis and surgery. Note that the Mexico LASIK cost is 35-40% less than in the US, where prices range between $1,500 and $3,500. Mexico costs include surgery and facility fees, pre- and post-op tests, and medicines. If you are confused by the lower prices and concerned about quality, it's worth noting that lower costs don't necessarily mean lower quality. Choosing a qualified and certified eye surgeon in Mexico will assure you the same quality of results as a US ophthalmic surgeon delivers. Still, if surgery costs are your concern, we discussed the reasons for lower costs in the upcoming section.

Why Is LASIK Cheaper in Mexico?

LASIK in Mexico is far more affordable, mainly because of the lower maintenance and operating costs. The costs of maintaining a medical facility, including the staff salaries, facility rents, equipment, and administrative overhead, are pretty low in Mexico. Contrastingly, these are pretty higher in the United States. As a result, maintaining a clinic in Mexico does not require the same high fees, allowing patients to benefit from significantly reduced treatment prices without compromising on quality. It's worth noting that the reasons for affordability in Mexico also apply to other eye surgeries. Below, we mentioned the costs for common eye surgeries in Mexico. 

• Mexico cataract surgery cost: $1,200-$3,000 per eye
• Laser eye surgery cost in Mexico: $900-$2,000 per eye
• ICL surgery cost in Mexico: $2,500-$4,000 per eye

Is LASIK in Mexico Safe?

Research suggests that LASIK by itself is a safe procedure with proven results.^[1] Regarding the location, Mexico is, in fact, safe for medical procedures when you choose a reputable clinic and a certified eye surgeon. So the safety lies in the choice you make. Mexico has some of the finest and best eye surgeons. Choosing one of them will ensure you get better results. Some of the clinics in Mexico are state-of-the-art equipped and maintain global safety standards. For instance, our partner clinic, New Vision by Dr. Natalia Hernández Martínez, is one among those that maintain higher standards. The clinic is equipped with sophisticated technology, allowing accurate diagnosis and precise treatment. Before LASIK surgery, every patient undergoes a comprehensive pre-surgical eye exam. This includes visual acuity and refraction testing, corneal topography and tomography to map the cornea, pachymetry to measure corneal thickness, and a tear film test to evaluate dry eye. Additional essential assessments include pupil size measurement, a dilated fundus exam to assess retinal health, and wavefront analysis to detect any irregularities. So the chances for surgical errors are quite lower and one can expect precise results.

Is It Worth Choosing LASIK Eye Surgery in Mexico?

Choosing LASIK in Mexico can be a wise option when you get it done by a qualified, experienced, and certified ophthalmic surgeon. They stay up to date with the latest advances in ophthalmology and maintain international standards of patient care. With the right choice, you get precise and accurate results at affordable prices in Mexico. Here we listed all the benefits of the choice:

• Costs in Mexico are around 40% lower than in the US, so you will save considerably on treatment. 
• The procedure holds a proven track record of success, with candidates seeing significant improvements in the quality of life. So, your reliance on glasses and contact lenses is significantly reduced at an affordable expense. 
• Wait times are pretty low in Mexico, so you can plan based on your flexibility. 
• Quality of treatment is no less than a Stateside clinic. Some Mexican ophthalmologists are highly qualified and are certified members of the CMO, ASCRS, SMO, and COBC. 
• Clinics are closer to the US-Mexico border, so reaching them won’t be a problem.  

How To Find the Right Eye Surgeon for LASIK in Mexico?

Finding the right eye surgeon in Mexico is easy when you consider the points mentioned below.

• Verify the surgeon's credentials to ensure you receive treatment from a qualified and certified eye specialist.
• Look for a reputable clinic that specializes in treating refractive errors and relies on advanced lasers.
• Clinics that rely on advanced screening tests and doctors who understand your overall health and eye conditions are a green flag.
• Review costs in detail. Request a clear price quote that breaks down surgery fees, facility charges, pre- and post-op tests, medications, and eye drops.
• Communication can be tough in a foreign land, especially during treatment abroad. Look for clinics with language translators and English-speaking eye surgeons. 

Where Can I Find the Best LASIK Eye Surgery in Mexico?

Expect high-quality ophthalmic surgical care in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico. The city is home to some of the finest vision clinics, including our partner clinic New Vision, headed by Dr. Natalia Hernández Martínez. The New Vision clinic is equipped with cutting-edge technology and relies on advanced diagnostics. So you can expect the best LASIK in Tijuana. Further, the clinic is just 1 minute from the US-Mexico border, so you don’t have to worry about the aspects of travel. Dr. Natalia is a certified ophthalmic surgeon with authorship of numerous publications in internationally renowned journals. With a fellowship in Corneal and Refractive Eye Surgeries, she is one of the leading eye surgeons in Tijuana. She actively keeps pace with the latest advancements in ophthalmology and maintains memberships in prestigious professional organizations such as

• The Mexican Council of Ophthalmology (CMO)
• The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
• The Mexican Society of Ophthalmology (SMO)
• The College of Ophthalmology of Baja California (COBC)

How To Reach the Clinic?

Our partner clinic in Tijuana is conveniently located just one minute from the San Ysidro Port of Entry, near the San Diego-Tijuana border. For patients flying in, the San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest major airport. From there, it’s a short drive to the border crossing, making access to the clinic simple and stress-free. Shuttle services, taxis, and private transfers are also available to ensure a smooth journey to your appointment. 

Steps to Plan Your LASIK Trip in Tijuana, Mexico

A planned trip with a detailed itinerary helps you make the most out of any travel, whether for healthcare or leisure. If you’re considering LASIK in Tijuana, here are some key points to keep in mind for a smooth and stress-free experience:

• Arrive in Tijuana at the designated airport on the day before your surgery and check into your hotel. Contact the eye clinic to confirm your arrival and schedule any necessary appointments for pre-surgery procedures.
• Attend a pre-operative evaluation to determine the visual status. Ophthalmologists in Tijuana will map the cornea and assess its thickness. You will discuss the medical and previous surgical history. 
• On the day of surgery, you will follow the pre-operative instructions, such as fasting, avoiding eye makeup. Upon arrival at the clinic, you will rest for a short period. Following this, your eyes will be numbed with pre-surgical eye drops, and LASIK will be performed. They will cover the affected eye with a protective shield. After surgery, you will be under observation, and later you will return to the hotel. While the surgery takes 15-20 minutes, however, you will need to spend at least 3 hours for the pre- and post-surgical procedures.      
• The first post-surgical follow-up session will be on the day after LASIK surgery. Your ophthalmologist will monitor the eye and will prescribe the post-surgical eyedrops along with the required aftercare measures. You will acquire the medicines and reports, and then fly back home. 
• Following this is the aftercare at home, where you will avoid strenuous physical activities and will recover slowly. Adopt the post-surgical measures and attend the routine follow-up appointments. Look for complications and immediately see your ophthalmologist in case you notice any.

Are There Any Risks With LASIK in Mexico?

Just like any surgery, LASIK has some risks, no matter where it’s done. Some people may experience dry eyes, glare or halos at night, or results that are slightly under- or over-corrected. In rare cases, there can be issues due to infection or with the flap created during surgery.

As long as you choose a skilled, certified eye surgeon and a trusted clinic with modern equipment, getting LASIK in Mexico is not risky. Many clinics in Mexico use the same technology and safety standards as those in the United States. With the right clinic and care, LASIK in Mexico can be just as safe and effective as in the US. You can lower the risks by:

• Making sure your surgeon is certified and experienced.
• Checking if the clinic uses advanced laser technology.
• Following your doctor’s instructions before and after surgery.

How Envoy Health Makes LASIK in Mexico Safe and Simple?

At Envoy Health, we are committed to excellence. We partner with some of the finest and best healthcare providers across the globe after a thorough vetting process. We consider the clinic's reputation, safety, and sterilization protocols, as well as the technology used, doctors' credentials, qualifications, and years of experience. So, you get global care at reasonable prices and enjoy a life free of glasses or contact lenses, without the stress. 

With Envoy Health by your side, the journey to a crystal-clear vision is simple and stress-free. Sign up now to connect with experienced LASIK surgeons in Mexico and take the first step toward the confident, glasses-free life you deserve.

References

1. Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)