Find us

+41 (0)44 221 95 02

info@eyelaser.ch

Our procedures for vision improvement: An overview

We do not see these procedures as isolated options, but as tools in a modular system that we combine individually for you.

Phake Linsen (ICL) in Zürich

In brief

Can keratoconus be treated with a laser?

Normal laser eye surgery is not possible with keratoconus, but improving vision after stabilisation often is. At EyeLaser Zürich, a topography-guided surface laser smooths the cornea, usually combined with corneal crosslinking. CAIRS flatten a pronounced bulge, and an ICL corrects remaining short-sightedness; both cost CHF 4’500 per eye.

First, the keratoconus must be stable, usually through corneal crosslinking (CXL). Only then is the focus on better vision.

1. Topography-guided surface laser (Trans-PRK / Trans-PTK): smoothing the cornea

The cornea, deformed by keratoconus, causes distorted vision, glare and halos. The laser removes the irregularities in a targeted way and smooths the surface.

The difference from usual laser eye surgery lies in the goal: it does not correct the glasses prescription but works therapeutically. That is why it is called phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) or, in its contact-free form, Trans-PTK. Technically, it is carried out like a Trans-PRK. The goal is always a more regular corneal shape and therefore better vision.

When it is possible: the keratoconus is stable or is cross-linked in the same procedure, and the cornea is thick enough, because the laser removes some tissue. In the longest study of this combination (Athens Protocol, 144 eyes, ten years), the cornea remained stable in 94.4 % of eyes, and vision without and with glasses improved (Kanellopoulos 2019, a study by the developer of the method). The topography-guided laser costs CHF 2’500 per eye (self-pay, check cost approval); for progressive keratoconus, basic health insurance pays for the crosslinking, and as a self-payer it costs CHF 2’300.

Medically reviewed by Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS on 2 October 2026 · Last updated on 2 October 2026
Refraktiver Linsentausch

2. Biological stabilization with CAIRS: Strengthening the foundation

For eyes with severe bulging, CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) are a modern option. Instead of artificial plastic implants, we use precisely shaped segments made of human donor corneal tissue. These are excellently accepted by the body, strengthen the tissue from within, and flatten the steep bulge.

Glaskörpertrübung im Auge

3. Implantable contact lens (ICL): when high short-sightedness remains

Once the cornea is stable and its shape has improved, high short-sightedness or astigmatism often remains. An ICL is a thin, flexible lens that is placed in the eye in addition to your own lens; it does not remove any corneal tissue. With keratoconus, we only implant it if the keratoconus is stabilised and central. The ICL costs CHF 4’500 per eye.

Direct comparison of the procedures

Comparison: Main Goal · Ideal for… · Type of Procedure
Procedure Main Goal Ideal for… Type of Procedure
Topo-guided Trans-PRK / Trans-PTK Smoothing & regularizing the surface Patients with stable corneas where irregular astigmatism is the main cause of poor vision. High-precision therapeutic surface laser treatment
CAIRS Strengthening structure & improving shape Patients with severe bulging and structurally weakened cornea, often as the first step of rehabilitation. Implantation of biological tissue
ICL Precisely correcting refractive error Patients whose corneal shape is already stabilized and improved, to correct the remaining residual refractive error. Implantation of an additional lens in the eye

First stabilize, then rehabilitate

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

Our philosophy is clear: First stabilize, then rehabilitate. At EyeLaser Zurich, we offer you a spectrum of modern, proven procedures to improve the shape of your cornea, reduce optical errors, and give you back the best possible vision.

Dr. Derhartunian on visual rehabilitation:

“Stopping keratoconus is an exact science. Restoring vision afterwards is an art. It requires a deep understanding of corneal biomechanics and the ability to strategically combine various modern procedures. Our goal is to develop a tailor-made plan for each individual that safely and effectively utilizes their full visual potential.”

How much does improving vision with keratoconus cost, and what does health insurance pay?

Ein Leben ohne Brille – Erfolgsgeschichten aus Zürich
Costs of keratoconus treatments — EyeLaser Zürich
Treatment Price per eye Health insurance
Crosslinking CHF 2’300 (self-pay) Basic health insurance for progressive keratoconus
Topography-guided laser CHF 2’500 (self-pay) Check cost approval
CAIRS CHF 4’500 In individual cases, cost approval
ICL CHF 4’500 Self-pay

Pre-examination with a medical indication billed to health insurance under TARDOC. Medication and eye drops on prescription. All prices: Costs for keratoconus.

Your guide: Which step could be relevant for you?

Alterssichtigkeit behandeln in Zürich

This tool is for orientation purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

  • Question 1: Has your keratoconus been medically confirmed but not yet stopped by crosslinking?
  • Question 2: Is your keratoconus already stable, but you suffer from severely distorted vision, halos, or glare?
    • Yes, visual quality is my main problem. -> Then procedures for shape improvement such as Topo-guided Trans-PRK/PTK or CAIRS are relevant for you.
  • Question 3: Is your vision already good after treatment, but the remaining high glasses prescription bothers you?

Which approach suits your keratoconus?

This is decided by the tomography and your everyday life. Make an appointment for an examination at Strehlgasse 33 in Zurich; bring previous measurements and your contact lens values with you.

Ask via WhatsApp Call 044 221 95 02

Book an examination

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about visual rehabilitation

What is a realistic goal for vision improvement?

The goal is the best visual acuity that can be achieved with glasses or lenses, with as few optical errors as possible. Complete freedom from glasses is possible but not always the primary goal. Improving quality of life, e.g. through safe night driving, is the priority.

Do I have to undergo all the procedures mentioned here?

No, certainly not. Often a single step is enough, for example a Trans-PRK together with crosslinking. The multi-stage plan is reserved for complex or very advanced cases.

How long do I have to wait between the individual treatment steps?

The healing and stabilisation phases are crucial. There are usually at least 6 months between a CAIRS implantation and the next step.

Why can’t I just continue to wear hard contact lenses?

For many people, a rigid contact lens is the best long-term solution. A procedure is mainly an option if you cannot tolerate lenses, suffer from dry eyes or would like to live without contact lenses.

Does health insurance cover the costs of these procedures?

Crosslinking for stabilisation is a mandatory benefit. The procedures for improving vision — laser, CAIRS, ICL — are usually considered elective; basic health insurance does not always pay for them. We will prepare a transparent and detailed cost estimate for you.

Are these procedures painful?

All procedures are performed with anaesthetic eye drops; you usually feel no pain during the procedure. With Trans-PRK/PTK, discomfort may occur in the first 2–3 days after the procedure, which we treat effectively with medication.

What are the main risks of CAIRS implantation?

Since it involves biological tissue, the risks are very low. As with any surgical procedure, there is a minimal risk of infection. Rejection and extrusion, as seen with plastic rings, are very unlikely with CAIRS.

How is it decided whether laser or CAIRS is better for me?

In short: the laser smooths a cornea whose basic shape is already right. CAIRS reshape and support a severely deformed cornea. We make the decision based on your exact corneal topography.

Can my vision also get worse after one of these procedures?

Yes, this is possible, although not common. After crosslinking, 2.9 % of eyes in a Zurich study lost two or more lines of visual acuity (Koller et al. 2009); for CAIRS and the topography-guided laser there is no reliable figure yet. Temporary fluctuations during the healing phase are normal. EyeLaser Zürich discusses the risk with you before every procedure.

Can keratoconus progress again after successful rehabilitation?

Rarely, but it is possible. After crosslinking, keratoconus progressed within one year in 7.6 % of eyes in a Zurich study (Koller et al. 2009); after the combination with laser, the cornea remained stable over ten years in 94.4 % (Kanellopoulos 2019). At EyeLaser Zürich, we therefore continue to check the cornea regularly after vision improvement.

Is an ICL an option with keratoconus?

Yes, if the keratoconus is stabilised and the bulge is central. An ICL then corrects remaining high short-sightedness or astigmatism without removing corneal tissue. At EyeLaser Zürich, the ICL costs CHF 4’500 per eye; beforehand, the cornea must have been measured as stable over a longer period.

Sources
  1. Kanellopoulos AJ. Ten-Year Outcomes of Progressive Keratoconus Management With the Athens Protocol (Topography-Guided Partial-Refraction PRK Combined With CXL). J Refract Surg 2019;35:478–483. PubMed 31393985
  2. Koller T, Mrochen M, Seiler T. Complication and failure rates after corneal crosslinking. J Cataract Refract Surg 2009;35:1358–1362. PubMed 19631120
  3. Jacob S, Patel SR, Agarwal A et al. Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS) Combined With Corneal Cross-linking for Keratoconus. J Refract Surg 2018;34:296–303. PubMed 29738584