LASIK prices in Switzerland

LASIK is the most widely performed laser refractive surgery technique. A first laser, usually a femtosecond laser, cuts a thin flap in the cornea; a second, excimer laser reshapes the cornea beneath this flap to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. The procedure takes a few minutes per eye, under anaesthetic eye drops, and recovery is quick. Because its aim is to free you from glasses and contact lenses, it is not covered by basic insurance. Its price is often quoted per eye and depends on the technology, what is included and the centre. For the technique, see our page on LASIK.

LASIK is priced per eye, often as a package for both eyes, which generally includes the assessment, the procedure, follow-up visits and sometimes a touch-up. It is not reimbursed by basic insurance; some supplementary policies contribute. Femto LASIK and customised treatments cost slightly more; PRK often slightly less; SMILE is at the upper end of the range. Differences between centres are greater than between regions.

A LASIK package generally covers the full pre-operative assessment, both lasers, the procedure, eye drops, first-year follow-up visits and often a touch-up if the correction is not perfect within a given period. Some centres advertise a headline price that excludes the assessment, follow-up visits or the touch-up: that is why you should always ask what is included.

PRK, a surface technique without a flap, is often slightly cheaper, but recovery is longer and more uncomfortable; it is preferred for thin corneas. Femto LASIK, where the flap is cut by laser, is now the standard and costs slightly more than LASIK with a mechanical microkeratome. SMILE, which removes a thin disc of cornea through a small incision, is often at the upper end of the range. The choice should depend on the cornea and the correction, more than on price.

Some centres offer topography-guided or wavefront-guided treatments, which take into account the imperfections specific to each cornea. They can improve quality of vision, particularly at night, and sometimes cost slightly more. Their value depends on the cornea: the surgeon will explain whether they are useful in your case.

The following tables show the price of femto LASIK for both eyes by city and canton, compared with Geneva.

Basic insurance does not cover LASIK intended to do away with glasses. Some supplementary insurance policies offer a contribution, often capped and sometimes subject to a minimum membership period. It is worth checking your policy before the procedure and asking the centre for an itemised invoice for your supplementary insurer.

To compare, check whether the price is per eye or for both, which technique and lasers are used, whether the assessment, follow-up visits and touch-up are included, and what the touch-up period is. You should also look at the quality of the assessment: a reputable centre measures the thickness and shape of the cornea, checks for dry eyes and measures the pupil, and refuses to operate if the risk is too high.

Someone who wears daily contact lenses and regularly changes glasses spends a significant sum every year. Over ten years, this amount can approach the price of LASIK. This calculation helps put the budget in perspective without being the only criterion: safety and suitability remain the priority.

A short-sighted young adult with a thick cornea: femto LASIK, mid-range budget. A person with a thin cornea: PRK, slightly lower budget but longer recovery. A person who wants the latest flapless technique: SMILE, higher budget.

You should allow for artificial tears for a few weeks, sunglasses, one to two days off work and travel for follow-up visits.

LASIK is only offered if the prescription has been stable for at least a year. Operating on myopia that is still progressing would mean a risk of needing further treatment later, at additional cost.

Before any LASIK, the assessment measures the exact prescription, the topography and thickness of the cornea, pupil size, tear quality and the health of the eye. It often takes one to two hours. Some centres bill it separately, others include it in the package or deduct it if the procedure goes ahead. Even when it concludes that there is a contraindication, it is not money wasted: it avoids a risky procedure and sometimes points to another technique, such as a phakic implant.

From around the age of forty-five, presbyopia makes close-up reading difficult. Conventional LASIK does not correct it; specific techniques such as monovision exist, at a comparable price. For some patients, lens replacement becomes more appropriate: see our page on intraocular lens prices.

To understand the procedure itself, its techniques, recovery and risks, see our guide: LASIK in Switzerland.

Compare with related procedures

• Cataract surgery: prices in Switzerland
• Intraocular lens: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Guide to eye surgery in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about cost.

What you need to know

Can LASIK be redone later? A touch-up is sometimes possible if the cornea allows.

How much does LASIK cost in Switzerland? The price is often quoted per eye; our tables compare the regions.

Is the price per eye? Often; some centres advertise a package price for both eyes.

Is LASIK reimbursed? Not by basic insurance; some supplementary insurance policies contribute.

Does femto LASIK cost more? Often slightly more, as the flap is cut by a second laser.

Is PRK cheaper? Often slightly, but recovery takes longer.

Is SMILE more expensive? It is often at the upper end of the range.

Is the assessment included? Depending on the centre, it is included or billed separately.

Is the assessment refunded if I am not suitable for surgery? It is often billed; some centres deduct it if you go ahead with the procedure.

Is a touch-up included? Often, within a set period.

Are the eye drops included? Sometimes; otherwise their cost is moderate.

Are check-ups included? Generally for the first year.

Does customised treatment cost more? Often, depending on the technology.

Does astigmatism increase the price? Sometimes, depending on the centre.

Does high myopia cost more? The price is often the same, but suitability must be checked.

Does the price vary by city? Slightly.

Can I pay in instalments? Some centres offer it.

Does supplementary insurance reimburse much? Usually a capped contribution; check your policy.

Is a promotional price reliable? Check what is included and the technology used.

Is the time off work long? Usually one to two days for LASIK.

Is LASIK suitable for everyone? No, the assessment determines whether it is indicated.

Is transport included? No.

Is a companion needed? Yes, on the day itself; it has no effect on the price.

Does the price include both eyes on the same day? Often both eyes are treated together.

Are protective glasses provided? Often.

Are complications charged for? It depends on the centre's terms; ask about them.

How long is the quote valid? A few months; your eyesight must be stable.

Can presbyopia be treated with LASIK? Sometimes, with specific techniques.

Is LASIK tax-deductible? It depends on cantonal rules on medical expenses; make enquiries.

Does the surgeon affect the price? A little; experience matters above all for safety.

Does your eyesight need to be stable? Yes, for at least a year.

Is a dry eye test charged for? It is often part of the assessment.

Does LASIK last a lifetime? The correction is long-lasting, but presbyopia develops with age.

Are deposits refundable? Depending on the centre's terms.

Is the first appointment charged? Often, with possible deduction.

Should you stop wearing contact lenses before the assessment? Yes, for a few days to weeks; it does not affect the price.

Is the excimer laser the same everywhere? Devices differ, which affects the price.

Can just one eye be treated? Yes, if necessary, at the single-eye rate.

Tell us your canton: we will send you free quotes from refractive surgery centres near you.