Last updated: 3/27/2025

Laser eye surgery in Italy: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025

Why choose Italy for laser eye surgery?

  • Accredited clinics: JCI-certified hospitals provide top-quality care and comply with international standards.
  • Latest technologies: Italy utilizes innovative methods such as SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK with WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser. These are recognized for their precision and reduced recovery times.
  • High success rates: Laser eye surgery in Italy achieves an efficacy of 95% in correcting vision problems across a range of patient conditions.
  • Expert surgeons: The country is home to leading ophthalmologists, many of whom are members of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. They have successfully performed thousands of procedures.

Access advanced Laser eye surgery solutions in trusted clinics .

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How Much Does Laser eye surgery Cost in Italy?

The cost of laser eye surgery in Italy typically ranges from $1,600 to $3,300, depending on whether 1 or both eyes are treated. For a single eye, the procedure costs approximately $1,600, while for both eyes, the expense is around $3,300. These prices reflect standard laser vision correction procedures and may vary based on the specific technology and clinic used.

Included: The procedure itself, use of advanced laser technology, and initial consultation.

Not included: Pre-operative assessments, post-operative medications, follow-up visits, and any additional corrective procedures if necessary.

The price research is based on updated and verified costs from the Bookimed partner clinics.

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Discover the Best Laser eye surgery Clinics in Italy: 6 Verified Options and Prices

The Bookimed clinic ranking is based on data science algorithms, providing a trusted, transparent, and objective comparison. It takes into account patient demand, review scores (both positive and negative), the frequency of updates to treatment options and prices, response speed, and clinic certifications.
San Donato Hospital
San Raffaele
Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy
Ruesch Clinic

Laser eye surgery in Italy: Your Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Italy
  • Upon landing in Italy, you should have all necessary documentation ready. This includes your medical report, imaging in DICOM format, and a copy of your passport. These are crucial for the initial consultation and evaluation.
  • Check into your accommodation and get settled. You should stay in a hotel or lodging close to the clinic for convenience.
  • Contact the clinic to confirm your arrival and reconfirm your scheduled appointments. You can do this via phone or email.
  • Rest and hydrate well to prepare for the upcoming medical procedures.
Day 2: Pre-Operative Consultation and Evaluation
  • Attend the scheduled pre-operative consultation at the clinic. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history and previous treatments in detail with the specialist.
  • Undergo a comprehensive eye examination. This may include diagnostic tests such as corneal topography, pachymetry, and wavefront analysis to assess your suitability for laser eye surgery.
  • Discuss the specific type of laser eye surgery recommended for you, such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE, based on your diagnostic results.
  • Clarify any doubts or questions regarding the procedure, recovery, and post-operative care with your surgeon.
  • Receive pre-operative instructions. These may include avoiding contact lenses for a certain period before the surgery.
Day 3: Surgery Day
  • Follow any fasting or medication instructions provided by the clinic. Typically, you may be asked not to wear makeup, perfume, or lotion on the day of surgery.
  • Arrive at the clinic at the scheduled time for your laser eye surgery. You should have a companion to accompany you, as you will not be able to drive post-surgery.
  • The procedure will be performed using advanced laser technology. This includes the femtosecond laser for creating a corneal flap in LASIK or the excimer laser for reshaping the cornea.
  • The surgery typically takes around 30 minutes for both eyes. You will be awake during the procedure with local anesthesia applied to your eyes.
  • After the surgery, you will be given protective eye shields to wear and specific post-operative care instructions to follow.
Day 4: Post-Operative Follow-Up
  • Attend a follow-up appointment at the clinic for a post-operative check-up. The doctor will assess the healing process and ensure there are no complications.
  • Discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as dryness, irritation, or blurred vision. These are common in the initial recovery period.
  • Receive further instructions on eye drop usage. This may include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops to aid in healing and prevent infection.
  • Clarify any lifestyle restrictions, such as avoiding swimming, dusty environments, and strenuous activities for a specified period.
Day 5-7: Recovery Period
  • Continue following the prescribed eye drop regimen and protective measures as instructed by your doctor.
  • Limit screen time and exposure to bright lights to reduce eye strain during the initial recovery days.
  • Attend any additional follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
  • Contact the clinic immediately if you experience severe pain, vision loss, or any unusual symptoms.
  • Begin to gradually resume normal activities as your vision stabilizes and improves.
Day 8: Departure and Follow-Up Care
  • Prepare for your departure from Italy. Ensure you have all post-operative care instructions and contact information for your local eye care provider.
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment with your local ophthalmologist to continue monitoring your recovery and vision improvement.
  • Maintain regular eye check-ups to ensure the long-term success of your laser eye surgery.
  • Continue to avoid activities that may harm your eyes, such as contact sports or exposure to irritants, until fully cleared by your doctor.

Our Doctors

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verified

Francesco Bandello

41 years of experience
Dr. Francesco Bandello is a distinguished ophthalmologist, known for his extensive research and contributions in the field of retinal diseases. He has authored numerous articles and books, and has been honored with several awards for his outstanding work. He has been a principal investigator in multiple clinical trials and is actively involved in various professional organizations.

Video Stories from Bookimed Patients

Denys
Imagine waking up and seeing everything crystal clear without reaching for glasses or fumbling with contacts.
Procedure: ReLEx SMILE eye surgery

Reviews about Bookimed: Discover Patients' Insights

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Елена
Russian Federation
Jan 6, 2020
Verified review.
We want to express our deep gratitude to the bookimed employees and to all for the assistance and assistance rendered! you are all just great guys !!!About the Doctor: The doctor examined very carefully
I am writing my impressions of visiting the Italian clinic of San Rafaele. Everything was organized through bookimed. I did everything for the first time and there were concerns whether I got on a dubious site?!? But to our surprise, which was very pleasant, thanks to consultants with bookimed, we were admitted to the clinic at a convenient number for us, and we called more than once about the translator and our escort in the clinic. As a result, we met with a consultant translator near the clinic without any problems. At the reception was a clear translation of all our problems on the retina. Were at the Department of Ophthalmology. The doctor examined very carefully. I attracted two more doctors for the necessary computer research during the appointment. The attitude is very attentive and not superficial. We learned a lot of new and interesting information about a sore eye .... By the way, for the money, we paid only the cost of the consultation itself in the clinic. We want to express our deep gratitude to the bookimed employees and to all for the assistance and assistance rendered! you are all just great guys !!!
Ruslana Alpeeva • Glaucoma treatment
Ukraine
Feb 5, 2024
Verified review.
Good doctor 👍👍👍

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Updated: 02/05/2024
Authored by
Anna Leonova
Anna Leonova
Head of Content Marketing Team
A certified medical writer with 10+ years of experience, developed Bookimed’s trusted content, backed by a Master’s in Philology and medical expert interviews worldwide.
Fahad Mawlood
Medical Editor & Data Scientist
General practitioner. Winner of 4 scientific awards. Served in Western Asia. Former Team Leader of a medical team supporting Arabic-speaking patients. Now responsible for data processing and medical content accuracy.
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This page may feature information relating to various medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare services available in different countries. Please be advised that the content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or guidance. Please consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional before starting or changing medical treatment.

Our Laser eye surgery Techniques: What Suits You Best?

When considering Laser eye surgery, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:

LASIK eye surgery

LASIK surgery is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve visual acuity.

Pros: LASIK surgery offers quick vision improvement with 96% of patients achieving desired vision. Fast recovery time makes it convenient for most individuals.
Cons: Potential for dry eyes and glare, affecting 20% of patients post-surgery. Not suitable for individuals with thin corneas or severe vision issues.
Effectiveness: 96%
Duration: 30 minutes
Recovery: 1-2 days
Best for: Mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism correction. Ideal for those with healthy corneas.
Prices: Cost of LASIK eye surgery in Italy from $1,690

ReLEx SMILE eye surgery

A minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism.

Pros: Less invasive than LASIK surgery with no flap creation, reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome by up to 40%. Faster recovery times and fewer complications due to its small incision. Suitable for patients with thin corneas.
Cons: Limited availability for treating hyperopia compared to other refractive surgeries. Requires specialized equipment, which is not available in all clinics.
Effectiveness: 96% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better.
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
Recovery: 1-2 days.
Best for: Individuals with myopia up to -10 diopters and astigmatism up to 5 diopters.
Prices: Cost of ReLEx SMILE eye surgery in Italy from $2,726

IntraLase Laser Eye Surgery

A precise laser technique used in vision correction, involving the creation of a corneal flap for improved visual outcomes.

Pros: Provides enhanced precision and safety due to laser technology, reducing flap-related complications by up to 95%. Offers better visual acuity improvement compared to manual methods.
Cons: Longer procedure time than LASIK surgery, with a potential increase in temporary eye discomfort. May not be suitable for all corneal shapes.
Effectiveness: Achieves a success rate of 98% in correcting vision to 20/20 or better.
Duration: The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
Recovery: Recovery typically spans 1-3 days.
Best for: Individuals with mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, requiring precise corneal reshaping.
Prices: Cost of IntraLase Laser Eye Surgery in Italy from $1,899

Photorefractive Keratectomy

A type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Pros: Suitable for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes, which may not be ideal for LASIK surgery. Provides a safe alternative with a 95% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better.
Cons: Longer recovery time than LASIK, often taking several weeks for full visual stabilization. Some patients experience temporary discomfort or haze during healing.
Effectiveness: 95
Duration: 30 minutes
Recovery: 7-10 days
Best for: Individuals with thin corneas, dry eyes, or those not suitable for LASIK. Addresses nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Prices: Cost of Photorefractive keratectomy in Italy from $2,000

LASEK eye surgery

This procedure involves reshaping the cornea to correct vision using laser technology, combining aspects of LASIK and PRK.

Pros: Suitable for patients with thin corneas as it preserves more corneal tissue. Lower risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK surgery. Offers a higher safety margin for those with specific eye conditions.
Cons: Longer recovery time than LASIK and ReLEx SMILE. Discomfort post-surgery can last longer, up to a week.
Effectiveness: 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better.
Duration: 30 minutes per eye.
Recovery: 5-7 days.
Best for: Individuals with thin corneas and mild to moderate myopia or astigmatism.
Prices: Cost of LASEK eye surgery in Italy from $1,900