LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular procedure that corrects common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Veterans often ask if this specialized vision correction surgery is covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA coverage depends on specific eligibility rules that distinguish between elective procedures and those considered medically necessary.
VA Policy on Elective Refractive Surgery
The Department of Veterans Affairs generally classifies LASIK and similar procedures, such as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), as elective refractive surgery. This means the procedure is typically not covered solely to correct routine vision problems or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Standard corrective lenses are considered an adequate means of managing common refractive errors.
Refractive surgery is not performed in VA medical facilities for routine correction because it is viewed as a quality-of-life enhancement. This stance aligns with the policies of many major insurance providers and government health programs that consider such procedures discretionary. The baseline rule established by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policy is that laser eye surgery is excluded when the primary goal is simply to avoid wearing corrective eyewear.
Criteria for Medically Necessary Coverage
While routine LASIK is not covered, the VA authorizes refractive surgery in rare instances when it is deemed medically necessary. This exception applies if a veteran’s vision condition cannot be adequately corrected using traditional prescription glasses or contact lenses. The approval process is strict and requires extensive documentation from a VA eye specialist.
Common exceptions involve corneal irregularities, such as advanced keratoconus, which makes traditional lens fitting impossible. Coverage may also be approved if the refractive error is a direct result of a service-connected injury or trauma sustained during military service. In these cases, the surgery must be a necessary component of treatment, not merely a convenience.
The VA may also cover refractive correction when required as a secondary step following another covered surgical procedure, such as complicated cataract surgery, to stabilize vision. In all these cases, the procedure must be pre-authorized. The distinction between a procedure that is “elective” versus one that is “medically indicated” is the critical factor in determining VA coverage.
Standard Vision Care Options for Veterans
Even without coverage for elective LASIK, the VA provides comprehensive vision services to eligible veterans. All veterans enrolled in VA healthcare are covered for routine eye examinations and preventive vision testing, including screenings for conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These services help detect serious eye diseases early, allowing for timely medical intervention.
Prescription eyeglasses are provided at no cost to veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes those with a service-connected disability or vision problems resulting from a treatable illness like diabetes or a stroke. Contact lenses are also covered, but only when medically necessary, typically for conditions that cannot be corrected with glasses, such as severe corneal scarring.
For more complex issues, the VA readily covers treatments and surgeries for eye diseases, with cataract surgery being among the most frequently performed procedures. Veterans access this care through their local VA eye clinic. When specialized services are needed outside the VA, veterans receive a referral to a provider within the VA’s Community Care Network. This structure ensures veterans receive a full spectrum of necessary eye care, even though elective vision correction surgery is not a standard benefit.