The IRS has decided that having Lasik surgery acts to restore the body’s proper function. Therefore, they deem this treatment as a deductible medical expense, unlike teeth whitening or breast augmentation. According to the government, these elective procedures do not have the same effect on the body.

Since you can use the cost of a Lasik procedure as a tax deduction, the IRS will also allow you to deduct any expenses associated with the surgery. These expenses could include money you spend for traveling to and from the clinic, your eating and lodging costs, medications you need after the procedure, and any co-payment amounts you incur. If you claim dependents on your income tax return, you can also deduct the cost of their Lasik procedure as well as any related expenses.

Medical expenses, such as a Lasik surgery, is deducted by using the IRS Form 1040 and Schedule A. However, you are only allowed to deduct the amount of expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your Adjusted Gross Income. You may find it easier to meet this qualification since you can include those expenses related to the treatment.

Of course, we are not suggesting that you decide to have Lasik surgery just because you can deduct it on your taxes. But if you have a vision problem that requires you to wear glasses and you realize that your medical expenses for the year are nearing the 7.5% Adjusted Gross Income threshold, you might find it beneficial to have the Lasik surgery at a time when you can get that tax deduction.

This is one way to use the tax laws to your advantage and get a deduction that you may have otherwise missed out on.

Immediately after Surgery
Your doctor will prescribe a special shield to be worn over the eye. Most patients experience some degree of itching or discomfort after LASIK surgery; however, rubbing or touching the eye can damage the delicate tissues during their healing process. Many San Jose surgeons recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever during this time, and some prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent any infection from developing. Additional side effects to laser surgery include blurred vision, watering eyes, light sensitivity and other visual effects and bloodshot eyes. Some lasik patients will also need prescription eye drops to help speed the healing process and protect against infection.

The First Two Weeks
Most San Jose LASIK experts recommend that patients not drive or engage in exercise for at least two or three days after LASIK surgery. During the surgical procedure, your LASIK provider cut a small incision in your cornea, creating a small flap which was lifted and then replaced after the surgery was complete. Due to the delicate and fragile nature of eye tissue, this flap must heal naturally rather than be sutured or otherwise surgically closed. Any sudden or sharp physical movements in the crucial first days after surgery could potentially unseat the flap and necessitate a second surgical procedure; thus, it’s essential that patients avoid any exercise for the first few days after surgery and strenuous activity for up to a month following. Eye makeup, lotions, and creams are also contraindicated for recovering LASEK patients for at least two weeks after the procedure; this reduces the chance for infection from debris or foreign matter accidentally entering the eye while it heals.

Two to Six Months Afterwards
After the procedure, some patients experience changes in their vision for up to six months. If these changes continue after six months or vision begins to worsen significantly at any time, it’s essential to contact your LASIK provider to determine if a serious condition exists that could cause damage to your eye. In most cases, the surgery is a success and there are no serious side effects to LASIK. This is borne out by a recent survey by ScienceDaily, which reported an overall satisfaction rating of 95.4 percent among those who had undergone the surgical procedure. For prospective patients, this high approval rating for the procedure means that they can be sure they’re making the right choice when choosing LASIK.