What LASIK costs
| LASIK | Per eye | Both eyes | Both, after 20% relief |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower end | €1,500 | €3,000 | €2,400 |
| Custom (wavefront) | from €2,000 | from €4,000 | from €3,200 |
| Upper end | €2,600 | €5,200 | €4,160 |
What you get for it
- An assessment with scans of the cornea and the back of the eye.
- Two lasers: one makes a thin flap, one reshapes the cornea under it.
- Drops, a night shield and check-ups, typically the next day, a week, three months and a year.
- At some clinics, a top-up if the result needs fine-tuning, for a set period.
Who LASIK suits
Adults with an everyday prescription that has been steady for a year or more, healthy eyes and a cornea thick enough for the flap. Thin corneas, dry eyes and contact sports usually point to surface treatment or SMILE instead; very high prescriptions to an implantable lens. Check your price with your own answers.
Recovery
Most people see well within a day or two and are back at work after about two days. Driving waits until the clinic confirms your sight meets the standard, usually after 24 to 48 hours. Side effects such as glare at night and dry-feeling eyes usually ease over a few months.
Questions to ask about the price
- Is this price per eye or for both?
- Is it for my prescription, or a 'from' price?
- How many check-ups are included, and for how long?
- Is a top-up included if I need one, and until when?
- What does a later visit cost? (€100 to €230 at some clinics.)
- Is the deposit refundable?
Check the surgeon's name on the Medical Council's register before you pay a deposit: an eye surgeon practising as a specialist should be on its Specialist Division, in ophthalmology.
Questions people ask
How much is LASIK in Ireland?
€1,500 to €2,600 per eye, €3,000 to €5,200 for both eyes.
Is LASIK cheaper than LASEK?
Not always. LASEK starts lower (€800 to €2,600 per eye) but the top of both ranges is the same. The prescription matters more than the treatment.
Can I claim tax relief on LASIK?
Yes. Laser treatment for defective eyesight qualifies for health expenses relief at 20%. Claim through myAccount.
Is LASIK worth the extra over glasses?
That depends on what you spend on glasses and lenses now and how much they limit you. Our 'is it worth it' guide works it through.