Laser Eye Surgery vs Contact Lenses – How do the Costs Compare?

13 Jul 2020

When it comes to exploring the laser eye surgery option, top of the list of questions for many people is that of cost: just how expensive is laser eye surgery and how does the cost of laser eye surgery compare with that of contact lenses, when you consider the once-off cost of laser eye surgery, versus the on-going monthly cost of contacts?

Here at Optilase, we want to break it down for you and help you make the call that’s right for you.

The cost of laser eye surgery
Back in the day, when laser eye surgery was still in its infancy, the cost of laser eye surgery was exorbitant and beyond the financial means of most people.

Now however, laser eye surgery is extremely common and accessible to all, probably for the following three reasons:

1. It is now safer than ever before and therefore there is very little risk associated with it
2. It is now an incredibly quick and simple procedure (quick as in 10 minutes quick!)
3. Owing to technological advances as well as economies of scale, it is now cheaper and more affordable than ever before.

But how does this cost compare with the contact lens option, and is it better value for money in the long run?

The cost of Lasik laser eye surgery

So, with the average LASIK treatment costing €795 per eye, the total cost of the laser eye surgery procedure works out at approximately €1,590*.

But, bear in mind that this is a total once-off cost – this equates to just €132.50 per month over 12 months, or €66.25 per month over 24 months. Or to go one step further, if annualised over a period of 20 years the cost of laser eye surgery works out at just €6.62 per month!

Whatever way you wish to break down the cost of laser eye surgery, the value for money of LASIK laser eye surgery is evident

It’s also important to note all pre and post-operative consultations are included in the overall costs, so there are no hidden extras - what you see is what you get!

So, what about the cost of contact lenses?
The average monthly cost of daily disposable contact lenses is approximately €20 – not a figure that would break the bank for most.

But here’s the thing - where we divided the total cost of LASIK laser eye surgery into different monthly instalments to show the total costs spread out over different monthly intervals, in the case of contact lenses we need to do the opposite and multiply the monthly cost of lenses over, let’s say, a 20 year period.

Why? Well simply put, anyone who wears contact lenses will need to purchase them each and every month for many years. As a result, you need to look at the overall cost over this extended period of time.

Think of it like this – you don’t just look at the cost of one monthly mortgage payment; instead, you need to look at your total monthly payments over the course of the mortgage term to see the true repayment cost total!

So, to wear contact lenses over a 20-year period will actually cost you €20 per month for a period of 240 months. In other words, your contact lenses will cost you €4,800 in total.

It is also worth noting that that figure only covers the lenses themselves; you will also need to factor in eye tests, changes to prescriptions, etc so the overall cost will be even higher than this.

You do the maths!
The simple fact of the matter, as outlined above, is that continuing to wear contacts lenses will be infinitely more expensive than choosing to undergo LASIK laser eye surgery with Optilase Clinic.

Where laser eye surgery gives you perfect vision and is permanent, contact lenses are an ongoing and constant monthly expense that you will keep on incurring year after year.

Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours. Laser eye surgery that will cost you just a total of approximately €1,590* over the course of your lifetime or contact lenses that will cost you €4,800 over a period of just 20 years?!

Why not book your free consultation to find out more about laser eye surgery?!
Call us today on +353 1 223 8821 to arrange a FREE consultation with one of our Laser Optometrists. Not only will they carry out an extensive eye examination and answer all your questions, they will also explain in detail the various options that are open to you, based on your precise vision needs.

*All prices quoted in this article are subject to date of posting. To find out more about the Optilase treatment options and pricing please contact us directly on +353 1 223 8821.

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Patient Reviews

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Holli Burgon
September 18, 2023

I could not rate high enough, consultation was extremely informative and the staff were amazing, very friendly and answered all my questions with ease.

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Roisin Byrne
September 15, 2023

I had a wonderful experience in Optilase in Ely Place, the staff were so kind and helpful and made me feel really comfortable. Would absolutely recommend

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PAULA Moriarty
September 7, 2023

Couldn't rate Optilase high enough. I had Lens Replacement Surgery. My experience from the first phone call to the procedure itself and the aftercare was fantastic. All of the staff from the call centre to the staff in Carrickmines and the theatre were so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend .

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JeriesHamaty
September 5, 2023

I had my PRK done on both eyes , and im happy with the result. The post operation pain was extreme but it settled down after 4 days. Now i feel great after 2 weeks post operation no complications what so ever , other than blurry vision now and then, but its improving every day

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Rebekah Lowry
August 25, 2023

Got LASIK in Ely Place only yesterday and officially had 20/20 vision just 24 hours later! Cannot recommend Optilase enough from my initial consultation with Aisling in Athlone to my trips to Carrickmines and Ely Place. The staff really look after you from the moment you walk in the door and make you feel so at ease from start to finish - 10 out of 10 experience!

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Kate Oto
August 21, 2023

I highly recommend this place, reliable information and care, full professionalism.

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Lisa Simcox
August 21, 2023

LASIK was so easy and pain free. It’s one week post surgery and my eye sight is wonderful. I couldn’t recommend enough.

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Declan Wynne
August 21, 2023

I no longer need glasses,absolutely life changing.Great aftercare,lovely staff.

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Poliana Oliveira
August 9, 2023

I have been wearing glasses for over 20 years. I always hated wearing contact lenses and I got to a time in my life that I needed a change. A friend recommended optilase, I went for the free consultation and the person that did all the exams was really nice and I felt safe and confident enough to go ahead, I was recommended the PRK. I Put on a piece of paper how much I spent and would still spend on glasses for the next 10 years, and the surgery was for sure cheaper than that. My prescription was very high, both eyes, myopia and astigmatism Optilase provided all the information I needed, in clear manner. And they always made clear that there was nothing wrong with my eyes, it was my own choice to go for the surgery. The day of the surgery I was a bit nervous, who wouldn't? But then, from the reception to the surgeon, they were all so nice and welcoming. Hernandez performed the procedure, lovely surgeon, again all information was provided the way it should. I was instructed in what I should and should not do. The actual procedure took less than 15min, I felt nothing, no discomfort or anything. The whole process is very well done by the team, if I remember well around 3 people supporting the surgery plus one other girl providing pos surgery instructions. Right after the procedure I could already see much better than before without glasses! I couldn't believe it, I cried, thanked everyone and left the clinic knowing that I made the best choice. The recovery for PRK is a bit longer, I stayed for 2 full days no phones, or any screens. In the dark. If you have a little one, I would recommend to have someone minding them, as you are very limited in what you can do for the day of and day after surgery. It is hard to open the eyes, the second day after surgery was the toughest, I thought all went wrong as the vision got worst, but again I was advised it could happen. Note that this was my experience and could be different for other people. The 3rd day I felt nothing and could see much better already. Light sensitivity was very high, and still, 6 days after surgery, but nothing that a sun glasses would not help. My vision still blurred, but I need no glasses to see, my eyes feel dry sometimes, but the eye drops provided helps with it and and am very happy with the results already, even knowing it takes a bit longer to fully recover the vision. I'm back to work (screen at 200% to make sure I dont force my eyes too much) and I have had no headaches or anything, which I would have all the time looking at screens for most of my day. I cannot recommend Optilase enough, they are amazing! If you want to do something for your self and want a place you can trust, go for it, choose Optilase. Thanks to the whole team for one of the best things I did for my self!

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damien mcandrew
August 9, 2023

Great experience all tound from start to finish. Every step explained in great detail. Eyesight was better than 20/20 the next day. Would highly recommend using optilase for laser eye surgery

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Eve Murphy
August 9, 2023

Surgeon was great! Talked me through everything as the surgery was happening. Bit of discomfort during surgery and very painful for 2-3 hrs after but put more drops in and took a nap and then completely fine after. Colette for my consultation and post op was so friendly and helpful. Overall, great experience.

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Josman Ibarra
August 3, 2023

I highly recommend Optilase for laser eye surgery. The process from the initial consultation to the post surgery check ups was quite smooth and professional. The staff working at the clinic was very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. The surgery was over in minutes and I didn't feel any pain. The doctor kept an open communication with me during the surgery what made a big difference.

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