Laser eye surgery in Zurich - laser eye surgery in Switzerland

Laser cataract surgery (FLACS) Zurich: Precision & Safety

At EyeLaser Zurich, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) replaces the conventional scalpel with a high-precision laser for a particularly tissue-sparing treatment. This method enables micrometre-accurate centring of the lens, offering decisive advantages especially for patients with high safety requirements or when using premium lenses. Thanks to the reduced ultrasound energy, you benefit from a gentler procedure and often significantly faster visual recovery compared to the standard method. Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian personally performs this modern procedure with the highest level of expertise, right by Zurich Main Station. With this innovative technology, we are setting new standards for your vision and safety in the very heart of Zurich.

Book an Appointment Show me my suitability

Why we use a laser for cataract surgery

A cataract diagnosis means that your natural eye lens has become cloudy. Surgery is the only way to restore clear vision. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.

For a long time, performing the procedure manually with a scalpel was the gold standard. It is safe and proven. But the FLACS technology takes this procedure to a new level of reproducibility.

Why precision makes the difference:
The human eye is an optical system. Even the smallest deviations in the position of the new lens can affect visual quality.

Manual: The surgeon opens the lens capsule by hand. The result is very good, but depends on the surgeon’s form on the day.
Laser (FLACS): The laser creates a perfectly circular opening at the precisely calculated position. This ensures that your new lens (especially with multifocal lenses) sits stable and centred.

Manual surgery vs. laser surgery (FLACS) compared

Feature	Conventional method (covered by basic insurance)	FLACS laser method (additional service)
Incision	Manual with scalpel	Contact-free with laser
Lens opening	Manual (circular)	Perfect circle (computer-controlled)
Tissue preservation	Standard	Maximum (thanks to pre-fragmentation)
Precision	Very high	Micrometre-accurate
Astigmatism	Separate correction required	Correction possible in the same step

Medical Director: Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian

Technology is only as good as the surgeon who operates it. At EyeLaser Zurich, you will not be treated by changing doctors.

“The femtosecond laser is my extended arm for perfection. It removes the risk of manual variability from the most critical step of the procedure. For my patients in Zurich, this means: a procedure at the highest safety level currently available worldwide.”
— Dr. med. V. Derhartunian (FEBO, FWCRS)

Over 15 years of experience in eye surgery.
Trained at leading clinics in Europe and the USA.
Specialised in refractive surgery and premium cataract treatments.

Your path to clear vision

Do not rely on standard solutions. Find out whether your eyes are suitable for precision technology.

book an assessment

Frequently asked questions about laser cataract surgery in Zurich

Is the laser method safer than manual surgery?

Yes, studies show that FLACS technology offers greater precision and predictability. Because the laser pre-fragments the hard lens (“softening”), the surgeon needs to use up to 50% less ultrasound energy in the eye. This protects the sensitive endothelium (the inner layer of the cornea) and reduces the risk of swelling after surgery. It is the most tissue-sparing method available to us today.

Does health insurance (KVG) cover the cost of the laser?

In Switzerland, compulsory basic insurance covers the costs for the necessary part of the operation (restoring vision using the standard method and a monofocal lens). The use of the laser (FLACS) is considered a medical upgrade for precision and comfort. These additional costs are generally to be paid by the patient (self-pay).
Tip: If you have supplementary outpatient insurance, we will be happy to check whether a contribution towards the costs is possible. Before the procedure, we will provide you with a transparent cost estimate with no hidden fees.

I am afraid of moving during the laser treatment. What happens then?

This concern is unfounded. The laser has an intelligent safety system. The eye is gently stabilised using a so-called “patient interface” (a kind of contact lens). In addition, a live OCT (imaging) monitors the eye in real time. If even the slightest movement is detected, the laser stops automatically within milliseconds. You cannot do anything “wrong”.

Why is FLACS particularly important for multifocal lenses?

Multifocal lenses (for freedom from glasses at distance and near) are high-performance optical systems. They only work perfectly if they are precisely centred in the eye. A manual opening of the lens capsule can easily be decentered, which reduces the lens’s performance. The laser cuts a perfect circle on the precisely calculated optical axis. It is like the foundation of a house: the more stable and straight it is, the better the result.

How do I find your practice, and is it accessible?

Our EyeLaser practice is in a prime location right by Zurich Main Station (HB). This is particularly important for our cataract patients: you can arrive comfortably by train, tram or taxi without long walking distances. The practice is fully accessible and has lifts, so patients with limited mobility can reach us easily.

Is the procedure painful and how long does it take? Answer

The treatment is painless. You will receive numbing eye drops—no injections in the eye. The laser part itself takes only about 30 to 60 seconds. The entire operation (lens replacement) takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye. As we operate on an outpatient basis, you will be with us at the practice for around 2 hours in total and can then go straight home.

Can I have both eyes operated on the same day? Answer

Technically, this is possible; however, for cataracts we generally operate on two different days (often one week apart). This is for your safety and gives the first eye time to recover, so you are not restricted in everyday life. We will discuss your individual schedule during the preliminary examination.