Why do my eyes burn in the office (Office Eye Syndrome)?

During concentrated screen work, we blink less frequently. Combined with dry office air (air conditioning), the tear film evaporates faster. Often there is a blockage of the meibomian glands (MGD), which we can treat with IPL.

What is OptiLight IPL and how does it help?

OptiLight is the first FDA-approved light therapy for dry eyes. It treats the cause: inflammation is reduced and the meibomian glands are stimulated to produce healthy oil again. The tear film becomes stable.

I can no longer tolerate my contact lenses—what is the solution?

This is a warning signal from your eyes ('Contact Lens Intolerance'). The permanent solution is often to stop wearing lenses. We first restore your tear film with IPL and then correct your refractive error with SmartSight or ICL—methods that respect dry eye.

Can I have laser surgery if I have dry eyes?

Yes, but the method is crucial. We treat your dry eyes first (e.g., with OptiLight) to smooth the surface. Then we use SmartSight (without flap), as this procedure preserves the nerves important for tear production.

How many IPL treatments are needed?

For a sustainable result, we recommend a course of 4 sessions at intervals of 2-4 weeks. Many patients notice significant relief after the second treatment.

Does health insurance cover IPL treatment?

IPL treatment is an innovative self-pay service. You are investing in the long-term health of your ocular surface and avoiding the ongoing costs of expensive lubricating drops.

What does laser eye surgery cost in Zurich?

Our costs start transparently from CHF 1,500 per eye. We offer flexible installment payments so you can benefit from better vision immediately.

Laser eye surgery in Zurich - laser eye surgery in Switzerland

Dry Eye & IPL in Zurich: Premium Treatment with OptiLight™

It often begins subtly: a slight gritty sensation after a long workday at Paradeplatz, red eyes during a client meeting, or blurred vision after a walk along the windy Zurich lakefront. Yet for many Zurich residents, "dry eye" (Sicca syndrome) develops into a chronic burden. At EyeLaser Zurich, we understand that this is more than a minor discomfort. Based on the global guidelines of the TFOS DEWS II Report, we know: in the vast majority of cases, the problem is not a lack of water, but meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

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The “Office Eye Syndrome”: When Screens Dry Out Your Eyes

Zurich is the city of banks, insurance companies, and tech firms. The price of success is often paid by the eyes. Those who stare at screens (Bloomberg terminals, Excel sheets, coding) for 8 to 10 hours a day blink up to 66% less.

The mechanism: The meibomian glands are no longer “expressed” due to reduced blinking. The oil accumulates, hardens like butter in the refrigerator, and clogs the ducts.
The symptom: From 3:00 PM onward, concentration wanes. Your eyes burn, vision fluctuates, and you feel more tired than you actually are.

Our promise to Zurich professionals:
The OptiLight treatment is an investment in your productivity.

Lunchtime treatment: Completed in 20 minutes.
Immediately ready: No pupil dilation—you can return to your desk right away.
No greasy film: Unlike ointments, you won’t have blurred vision.

Technology Status: FDA-Approved & Safe

We make no compromises.
Discerning patients in Zurich expect safety and results. That’s why at EyeLaser we don’t use just any IPL device, but the Lumenis OptiLight™.

Globally unique: It is the first and only IPL device specifically approved by the stringent US FDA for the treatment of dry eye.
Patented precision: Thanks to “Optimal Pulse Technology” (OPT™), every light pulse is precisely controlled—for maximum safety and efficacy without overheating the skin.
Evidence-based: Over 40 clinical studies confirm the superiority of this technology over standard IPL devices.

More Than Just Medicine: We Make the Problem Visible

“Just use more drops.” – Patients hear this sentence too often. At EyeLaser Zurich, we go deeper.

Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS, lead surgeon, explains:

“Dry eye is a real career obstacle in Zurich. When the brain must constantly expend energy to correct blurred images, it leads to exhaustion. We don’t treat on speculation. With our high-tech meibography, we make the invisible visible.”

Visual Proof (Meibography)

Instead of just discussing symptoms, we show you images of your own glands.

The scan: A painless infrared image of the eyelids.
The reality: You see in black and white: Are your glands intact? Are they blocked? Or is there already atrophy (degeneration)?
The motivation: Seeing what’s missing is the first step to taking treatment seriously and saving your eye health.

The Treatment: “Eye Spa” Instead of Surgery

Many patients are wary of medical procedures. OptiLight therapy is different. It feels more like a medical wellness moment.

Melt: Light pulses gently warm the glands.
Cleanse: Inflammation and bacteria (often Demodex mites) are eliminated.

Regenerate: Cell activity is stimulated.
Lean back, enjoy the warmth, and return to daily life with a fresh perspective.

Is OptiLight Right for Me?

Our traffic light system provides medically sound guidance:

🟢 GREEN LIGHT (Ideally suited)

Patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) (approximately 86% of all cases).
Individuals with “Office Eye Syndrome” (heavy screen use).
Patients with ocular rosacea (reddened eyelid margins, facial blood vessels).
Contact lens wearers who can barely tolerate their lenses anymore.

🟡 YELLOW LIGHT (Assessment Required)

Pure aqueous deficiency (Sjögren’s syndrome)—IPL provides support here but is not a standalone therapy.
Very dark skin types (Fitzpatrick V-VI)—we assess special settings or alternatives here.

🔴 RED LIGHT (Not suitable)

Acute eye infections.
Use of photosensitizing medications (e.g., certain antibiotics).
Pregnancy (as a precautionary measure).
Epilepsy.

Why OptiLight Is an Investment

Feature	Conventional Eye Drops	Punctum Plugs	OptiLight™ Therapy at EyeLaser
Mechanism of Action	Symptomatic (short-term)	Preservative	Causal (treats the cause)
Duration of Effect	Minutes to hours	Months	Long-term (after treatment course)
Meibomian Glands	No effect	No effect	Reactivation & regeneration
Inflammation	Only with medication (cortisone)	No effect	Strong anti-inflammatory effect
Aesthetics	None	None	Skin rejuvenation & reduction of redness

Your Path to Permanently Comfortable Eyes

To ensure success in Zurich, we use an analogy everyone understands: the dentist model.

Professional cleaning (OptiLight): Just as dental hygiene removes tartar, IPL dissolves deep-seated blockages you cannot reach at home.
Daily care (home care): Brushing your teeth is mandatory—as is eyelid hygiene. We show you effective routines for home.

Zurich-Specific Tips:

Wind & lake: The cold wind at Lake Zurich stresses the tear film. Use sunglasses with side protection during walks.
Humidity: Modern offices are often too dry. A small humidifier at your desk works wonders.

20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look into the distance (20 feet/6 meters) for 20 seconds. Relieves the ciliary muscle immediately.

The 15 Most Common Questions from Our Zurich Patients

Here we answer the questions most frequently asked in our practice—honestly and directly.

Does Swiss health insurance (KVG) cover IPL treatment?

As a rule, IPL treatment for the eye is a self-pay service and is not covered by basic insurance. Some supplementary insurance policies (VVG) may contribute upon request. We are happy to provide you with a transparent invoice.

How much does IPL treatment cost in Zurich?

The cost depends on the individual treatment plan. Since 3-4 sessions are usually required for optimal results, we offer attractive package prices. Contact us for the current price list.

Does the treatment hurt?

No. The sensation is comparable to a light snap on the skin, followed by warmth. Thanks to cooling gel, the treatment is very well tolerated (“eye spa feeling”).

Will I see normally immediately after treatment?

Yes. There is no impairment of vision. You can return to work or go to the lake right away (“lunchtime treatment”).

Can I have IPL if I want to have my eyes lasered?

Absolutely. We often recommend treating dry eye before LASIK or lens surgery. A healthy tear film improves laser precision and healing.

Does IPL also help with swollen eyelids?

Yes, a positive side effect is often a reduction in swelling and fine lines around the eyes, as collagen production is stimulated.

How many sessions are needed?

The international standard (ESCRS protocols) recommends 3 to 4 sessions at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. After that, a single maintenance session every 6 to 12 months is often sufficient.

Is IPL dangerous for the eye itself?

No. Your eyes are completely protected during treatment by special light-blocking goggles. The light is applied only to the skin of the eyelids.

Why do I have "dry eyes" despite having many tears?

This is “paradoxical tearing.” Because the lipid layer is missing, tears evaporate too quickly. The eye signals “dryness” to the brain, which floods the lacrimal gland—but these watery tears don’t adhere. IPL solves the lipid problem.

Does IPL also help with styes (hordeolum)?

IPL can work preventively by keeping the glands clear and reducing bacteria. For acute inflammation, please consult our ophthalmologists first.

I work at a bank and look at screens for 10 hours. Will this help?

Yes, you are the classic target group. Reduced blinking at screens causes secretions to harden. IPL liquefies them again and breaks the vicious cycle.

Are there side effects?

Rarely, slight redness of the treated skin areas may occur, which disappears after a few hours. Sun protection after treatment is important.

Where in Zurich can I find EyeLaser?

We are centrally located in Zurich, easily accessible by public transport (tram/S-Bahn). Ideal for an appointment during lunch break or after work.

Do I need to come without makeup before treatment?

Yes, please come without makeup, creams, or self-tanner on your face so that the light can optimally penetrate the skin.

How long do the results last?

The results are sustainable. However, since MGD is often chronically predisposed, we recommend (as with the dentist) regular check-ups and maintenance to preserve the optimal condition.