Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory eye disease in which the normally round cornea becomes thinner and bulges into a cone shape. This irregular shape leads to distorted vision and therefore a significant deterioration in eyesight. The disease usually develops during puberty and progresses until around the age of 30 to 40.
An accurate and early diagnosis is the crucial first step for successful keratoconus treatment. That is why at EyeLaser we rely on the most advanced diagnostic device currently available for keratoconus: the MS-39.
This device goes far beyond conventional corneal measurements and provides us—and therefore you—with a level of reassurance that is unmatched:
The MS-39 not only creates a three-dimensional map of your cornea, but also analyses the thickness of the epithelium, the outermost protective layer. Especially in early keratoconus, this layer often shows characteristic changes long before the disease becomes visible with other methods. This enables an even earlier and more precise diagnosis.
The MS-39’s ability to track changes at pixel level gives us unprecedented control in monitoring. We can determine objectively and with the highest accuracy whether your condition is progressing—crucial information for choosing the right time for treatment.
This technological advantage serves one purpose only: your safety and the certainty of receiving the best possible treatment based on the most precise data.
A diagnosis of “keratoconus” often triggers anxiety. Questions such as “Will I lose my eyesight?” or “Will I be able to continue working?” are normal and understandable. Our first task is to take that fear away.
A word from Dr Victor Derhartunian, Lead Surgeon at EyeLaser:
“My message to you is clear: with today’s technology, in the vast majority of cases we can stop the progression of the disease and give you a clear outlook for the future. Modern keratoconus treatment is more than just stabilisation; it is about giving you the best possible visual quality for your life. You are not alone on this journey.”
With a condition as complex as keratoconus, experience matters more than anything else. Dr Derhartunian brings expertise that is second to none in Switzerland:
This deep involvement in the development and refinement of the method gives you the certainty that at EyeLaser Zurich you are in the safest and most experienced hands.
Our treatment plan for keratoconus is clearly structured and pursues two main goals. We explain every step to you transparently and in an easy-to-understand way.
Important note on objectivity: An excellent non-surgical option to improve vision is wearing rigid gas-permeable (hard) contact lenses. They compensate for the irregular corneal surface and often enable excellent vision. The following surgical procedures are primarily a solution for patients who cannot tolerate contact lenses or who want a permanent correction.
The single most important goal is to stop the progression of keratoconus. For this, we use the gold standard:
Once the disease has been stopped, we focus on improving your vision. It is important to understand that crosslinking alone rarely improves vision. True rehabilitation is achieved through state-of-the-art, often combined procedures.
We offer the following treatment options at EyeLaser:
To illustrate the possibilities, here is an example of a multi-stage treatment plan for a very advanced keratoconus case:
🟢 Green light:
🟡 Yellow light:
🔴 Red light:
Do not let the uncertainty of keratoconus determine your future. Take the first decisive step. Book an appointment for a comprehensive diagnostic examination at our EyeLaser clinic in Zurich and find out which treatment options are best for you. Our expert team is ready to answer all your questions.
Have your keratoconus assessed in Zurich—book an appointment today!Keratoconus is a progressive deformation of the cornea that leads to visual disturbances. Early signs are often blurred vision, frequent changes in prescription, and increased sensitivity to light.
The gold standard for treating progressive keratoconus is crosslinking (CXL), a procedure that strengthens the corneal structure and, in most cases, stops further progression of the disease.
After crosslinking, state-of-the-art procedures such as specialised laser eye treatments, biological ring segments, or implantable lenses can regularise the cornea and significantly improve visual quality.
The surgeon’s experience is key to success. Dr Derhartunian has been using crosslinking since its introduction in 2007 and learned directly from the inventor of the method, Prof Seiler.
For many patients, rigid gas-permeable (hard) contact lenses are an excellent non-surgical option to achieve good vision. Surgical improvements are primarily an option when lenses are not tolerated.
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes thinner and deforms into a cone shape, leading to irregular astigmatism and worsening vision.
Common early symptoms include blurred vision, rapid deterioration of eyesight, double vision in one eye, and increased sensitivity to light.
Yes, there is a genetic component. If someone in your family has keratoconus, your risk is increased.
Yes, absolutely. Chronic eye rubbing is a major risk factor that can trigger or accelerate the disease.
The procedure itself is painless thanks to anaesthetic drops. In the first 1–3 days afterwards, pain may occur, which can be well controlled with medication.
Keratoconus treatment, including crosslinking, is a medically recognised procedure. In many cases, the costs are covered by basic health insurance after prior approval.
In most cases, the main goal of crosslinking is stabilisation, not visual improvement. A significant improvement in visual quality is almost always achieved through additional procedures such as a topography-guided laser treatment.
CAIRS are segments made from human donor corneal tissue, not plastic. Their excellent biocompatibility minimises the risk of complications such as rejection or inflammation compared with artificial implants.
No, absolutely not. We advise you objectively. If you manage well with rigid gas-permeable contact lenses and achieve excellent vision with them, there is often no reason for further surgical procedures to improve vision.
