Laser eye correction · All 26 counties
Laser eye correction in Ireland
Which treatment fits which eyes, who it doesn't suit, how recovery really goes and what it costs, in plain English.
Free and independent. We're not a clinic: one Irish eye clinic contacts you, only if you ask.
How it works
Three steps, and you decide
Answer six questions
Your age, what you wear, your rough prescription and your eyes. You see the treatments that usually fit, and the price. Nothing is sent.
We pass it to one clinic
If you want an assessment, add your first name and mobile and tick the consent box. We pass it to one Irish eye clinic.
The surgeon assesses you
The clinic scans your eyes and the surgeon tells you what suits you. You decide in your own time.
What it costs
Our price guide
Typical full prices in Ireland for each treatment. Laser is priced per eye; most people have both done.
| Treatment | Per eye | Both eyes | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASIK | €1,500 to €2,600 | €3,000 to €5,200 | The prescription, a custom (wavefront) treatment, the laser used, aftercare included |
| LASEK, PRK or TransPRK | €800 to €2,600 | €1,600 to €5,200 | The lowest prices are for low prescriptions; higher prescriptions and premium lasers cost more |
| SMILE (keyhole) | €2,600 | €5,200 | Offered by few clinics on the island; short sight and astigmatism only |
| Implantable contact lens (ICL) | €2,900 to €3,900 | €5,800 to €7,800 | The lens (toric for astigmatism costs more), the hospital, follow-up |
| Lens replacement (RLE) | €2,900 to €3,700 | €5,800 to €7,400 | Monofocal or multifocal lens, toric correction, one or both eyes |
What's usually included
- An assessment with scans of each eye (Free to €200)
- The treatment itself, with the surgeon and the theatre or laser room
- Drops and medicines for the first weeks
- Check-ups for the first months, often the first year
What pushes it up or down
- Up: high prescriptions, astigmatism, custom treatment, implant lenses, longer aftercare and top-ups included
- Down: low prescriptions with a standard treatment
- Tax relief at 20% applies to laser treatment for defective eyesight
- Not a factor: your county. Clinics outside Dublin charge in the same range
Prices in euro. Our guide, not a quote: the clinic gives you a written price after your assessment.
The treatments
Five treatments, and who each one suits
Every guide gives the honest risks, who it isn't for, the recovery and what results are realistic.
LASIK
The quickest recovery: most people see well within a day or two. For short sight, long sight and astigmatism.
More on LASIK
LASEK and PRK
No flap, so it suits thinner corneas and contact sport. A sorer first week, the same end result.
More on LASEK
SMILE
Keyhole treatment for short sight and astigmatism, offered by few clinics on the island.
More on SMILE
Implantable contact lens
A lens inside the eye for high prescriptions and thin corneas, and it can be removed.
More on Implantable contact lens
Lens replacement
From about 50: the eye's own lens is replaced, which can also cut down reading glasses.
More on Lens replacement
Astigmatism
Yes, it can be corrected. Which treatment handles how much, and when it is a warning sign.
More on AstigmatismThe quick match
Which treatment for which eyes
Typical starting points, not rules. The scans of your cornea decide.
| Your eyes | Usually considered first |
|---|---|
| Everyday short sight | LASIK, LASEK or PRK, SMILE |
| Very high short sight or a thin cornea | Implantable contact lens |
| Long sight | LASIK or LASEK; lens replacement from about 50 |
| Reading glasses, 50 or over | Lens replacement, or blended vision |
Where you live
Laser eye correction in every county
The laser treatment itself is done in Dublin, Cork and Galway, and some clinics also see people for assessments and check-ups in Limerick, Athlone, Dundalk and Newbridge. Beside each county: the drive from its largest town to the nearest town where treatment is done.
Leinster
Munster
Questions
Questions people ask
What is the difference between laser eye correction and laser eye surgery?
None: they are two names for the same treatments. Lens-based treatments (implantable lenses and lens replacement) are surgery without a laser.
Am I suitable for laser eye correction?
Usually yes if you are over 18, your prescription has been stable for a year or more and your eyes are healthy. Use the check above, then a full assessment decides.
Which treatment is right for me?
LASIK, LASEK or SMILE for most everyday prescriptions; an implantable lens for high prescriptions or thin corneas; lens replacement from about 50.
How much does laser eye correction cost in Ireland?
Laser treatment costs €800 to €2,600 per eye. Implantable lenses and lens replacement cost €2,900 to €3,900 per eye. Tax relief at 20% applies to all of them.
Does it hurt?
Numbing drops mean you feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Surface treatment (LASEK and PRK) is sore for a few days afterwards; LASIK and SMILE much less.
Will I need glasses again?
About 1 in 10 people need a top-up. And everyone's close-up focus fades from the mid-40s, so reading glasses usually arrive then even after laser.
Who contacts me if I send the form?
One Irish eye clinic, not five. They contact you to arrange an assessment. Nothing is booked until you say yes.