Laser eye surgery in Zurich - laser eye surgery in Switzerland

Trans-PRK in Zurich: Laser Eye Surgery Without an Incision

In Trans-PRK, the excimer laser removes the surface layer of the cornea and the tissue beneath it in a single step, without an incision and without any instrument touching the eye. The surface layer grows back within three to five days. SmartSurfACE is standard at EyeLaser Zurich; the wavefront-guided variant additionally takes higher-order aberrations into account. Dr. Victor Derhartunian performs every procedure personally.

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In brief

What is Trans-PRK?

Trans-PRK is a surface procedure: the excimer laser removes the surface layer of the cornea and reshapes the tissue beneath it in a single step, without an incision and without a flap. At EyeLaser Zurich, Dr. Victor Derhartunian performs Trans-PRK personally. In Zurich it costs CHF 1’500 per eye, or CHF 2’500 wavefront-guided.

Trans-PRK at EyeLaser Zurich at a glance
Method	transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy, single-step, with SmartSurfACE
Laser	SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS with 7D eye tracker
Suitable for	short-sightedness and astigmatism; thin corneas, contact sport, professions with a risk of injury
Not suitable for	farsightedness (Femto-LASIK instead), keratoconus (crosslinking first), unstable prescription, untreated dry eyes, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Duration	around 15 minutes for both eyes
Anaesthesia	eye drops; afterwards a bandage contact lens
Back at the office	after about five to seven days
Driving	once approved at the follow-up check, usually after 10 to 14 days
Sport	non-contact sport after one week, once the bandage lens has been removed; contact sport, swimming and sauna after four weeks, in each case once approved at the follow-up check
Follow-up checks	day 1, week 1, month 1, month 3 included; thereafter annual check CHF 180
Enhancement	included for up to ten years after the procedure, provided you attend an annual check with us
Surgeon	Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian personally
Price per eye	CHF 1’500 (SmartSurfACE is standard); wavefront-guided CHF 2’500; pre-examination CHF 300, credited

Go directly to:Who is Trans-PRK suitable for? →Results →Healing and risks →Laser eye surgery costs →Laser eye surgery: all procedures →

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

25’000refractive procedures performed personally by Dr Derhartunian

CHF 1’500fixed price per eye, wavefront-guided CHF 2’500

4,9 / 5from 118 Google reviewsAs of September 2026

Kreis 1Strehlgasse 33, two minutes on foot from Paradeplatz

Check your suitability for Trans-PRK 044 221 95 02

For whom is Trans-PRK the first choice?

Trans-PRK (transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy) is a surface procedure without an incision and without a suction ring. Because no flap is created and no tissue is used up for a flap, more of the cornea is preserved. That is why at EyeLaser Zurich we do not use it as a last resort but often as the first choice: for thin corneas, for martial arts and in professions with a risk of injury.

Technology: SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS NextGen · Surgeon: Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS · Location: Strehlgasse 33, Zurich, a few minutes’ walk from Rennweg

Prices & services

How much does Trans-PRK cost in Zurich?

What is included in the price and what is not.

FIXED PRICE

Trans-PRK — touch-free and surface-based

CHF 1’500 per eye

SmartSurfACE is standard. Often the first choice for thin corneas and contact sport. Wavefront-guided variant: CHF 2’500 per eye.

Free initial consultation +41 44 221 95 02

Included in the fixed price

✓Follow-up checks of the first three months included — the annual check thereafter is chargeable

✓Fixed price — no surcharges after the preliminary examination

✓Enhancement included — if ever needed, at no extra cost

✓Emergency contact after surgery — your surgeon can be reached around the clock during the first 24 hours

✓Preliminary examination CHF 300 — credited towards the treatment

✓Six months interest-free directly with us (CHF 250 per month and eye); longer terms via heylight with credit check and interest

Separately

iMedication and eye drops after the procedure — on prescription from the pharmacy

iAnnual check CHF 180

Medically reviewed by Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS · Last updated: August 2026

Results

How good are the results of Trans-PRK?

The figures come from published studies with SCHWIND lasers, not from us.

96 %

saw 20/20 or better without glasses six months after Trans-PRK with SmartSurfACE, 98 % 20/25 or better

no eye lost two lines (Margarit 2024, AMARIS 750S, not wavefront-guided)

81 %

with high short-sightedness (over −6 D) were within ±0.5 D after twelve months

comparable to alcohol-assisted PRK (73 %) (Antonios 2017, 59 eyes; one author is employed by SCHWIND)

1 year

after the procedure, the results of PRK and LASIK are comparable

PRK is more painful in the first few days and vision recovers more slowly (Cochrane review, 13 studies, Shortt 2013)

These values come from published studies and are not our own figures. We will tell you what is realistic for your eye after the pre-examination.

Your recovery

When will I see clearly after Trans-PRK?

Guide values from practice; the follow-up checks monitor your progress.

DAYS 0–3

Noticeable irritation up to pain, watering eyes, sensitivity to light; the bandage lens protects the eye, drops and painkillers provide relief.

DAYS 4–7

The surface layer has closed, the bandage lens is removed at the follow-up check; vision improves daily. After that, non-contact sport is possible again.

WEEKS 2–4

Sharpness approaches the final result. Contact sport, swimming and sauna after four weeks, once approved at the follow-up check.

MONTHS 1–3

Final result; checks after one and after three months. UV protection in the mountains.

Transparency

What are the risks of Trans-PRK, and how common are they?

The figures come from published studies on surface procedures, not from us.

Risks after surface procedures with frequency from studies
Risk	How common	Source	Course and what we do
Pain in the first few days, slower recovery	in most patients; more pronounced than after LASIK	Shortt 2013	bandage lens, painkillers, check after one week
Corneal clouding (haze)	2 of 59 eyes mild grade after twelve months (high short-sightedness)	Antonios 2017	steroid drops, UV protection; for higher corrections mitomycin C (Majmudar 2015)
Infection	0.20 % (39 of 18’651 eyes)	de Rojas 2011	antibiotic drops, checks; report immediately if pain increases or redness occurs
Enhancement needed	6.3 % after PRK and LASIK, no difference between the two	Randleman 2009	included for up to ten years, with an annual check
Bulging of the cornea (ectasia)	an estimated 20 per 100’000 eyes after PRK without risk factors	Moshirfar 2021	tomography before the procedure
Glare and halos in the first few weeks	no reliable frequency data for Trans-PRK	–	usually decreases as the eye heals

Availability: In the first 24 hours, you can reach the surgeon around the clock; after that, the surgeon during the day and the emergency department of the hospital on duty at night.

Our Technology: SCHWIND Trans-PRK with SmartSurfACE

Many clinics offer “PRK.” At EyeLaser Zurich, we utilize SmartSurfACE technology. This is the difference between a “plane” and a “high-gloss polish.”

The SmartSurfACE Principle:
Our AMARIS 1050RS NextGen laser utilizes the SmartPulse process. It models the cornea and smooths it.

The advantage: The epithelium (the surface layer) regrows over the smoothed surface.
The result: The aim is more even healing of the surface layer.

Trans-PRK or SmartSight?

We know that many patients in Zurich have demanding professional schedules and cannot afford a week off, yet still do not want a corneal incision (as with classic LASIK). For these specific patients, we offer SmartSight. Another flap-free option is EASE (CHF 2’000), a surface procedure using only the femtosecond laser.

The Duel of the “Flap-Free” Methods:

Trans-PRK (SmartSurfACE)

Principle: Surface ablation. The laser models the surface.
Incision: 0 mm (Completely touch-free).
Pain: 2–3 days of foreign body sensation.
Visual recovery: 1 week until fit for work.
Ideal for: Thin corneas, martial arts, police, maximum tissue preservation.

SmartSight (Lenticule Extraction)

Principle: Keyhole technique. The laser forms a small disc inside, which is then removed.
Incision: Minimal (approx. 2 mm opening).
Pain: Virtually painless.
Visual recovery: 1–2 days until fit for work.
Ideal for: Patients with higher myopia who need to return to work immediately.

Our Recommendation:
If your cornea is thick enough and you desire fast healing, SmartSight is often the more comfortable choice. If your cornea is very thin, Trans-PRK is usually the more suitable choice because it requires the least tissue; if your cornea is irregular, we consider a topography-guided treatment.

Free yourself from the limitations of glasses and contact lenses with ultra-gentle TransPRK

Discover how this laser eye surgery alternative can change your life without touching your eye

Prices in Zurich: transparent and fixed per eye

We believe in transparency instead of hidden costs. Our prices are per eye and include the treatment and the follow-up checks in the first three months. The pre-examination (CHF 300) is credited; medication is prescribed and collected at a pharmacy.

Trans-PRK Standard (Aberration-Free): CHF 1,500 / eye
The proven solution. This profile corrects your prescription (sphere, cylinder) and preserves the natural shape of the cornea. Ideal for “normal” eyes without specific night vision problems.

Trans-PRK Custom (Wavefront-guided): CHF 2,500 / eye
The tailor-made suit for your eye. We use diagnostic data to correct your individual corneal “fingerprint.”

The difference: We also correct higher-order aberrations (such as coma or trefoil).
Your benefit: Aim: better contrast vision and fewer light effects at night.

For comparison – SmartSight: CHF 2,500 / eye
No flap, usually fit for everyday life the following day; not for farsightedness.

Who is Trans-PRK suitable for, and who is it not suitable for?

Female runner jogging across a bridge in the evening sun – sport after laser vision correction

🟢 Well suited: thin corneas, martial arts and contact sport, police and military, fear of an incision; short-sightedness and astigmatism within the KRC recommendations and your corneal thickness.

🟡 Clarification needed: high values (limit according to KRC and corneal thickness), pronounced dry eyes (treat beforehand).

🔴 Not suitable, but there is another option: farsightedness → Femto-LASIK; progressive keratoconus → crosslinking first; cornea too thin even for a surface procedure → ICL lens; pregnancy and breastfeeding → later.

How does Trans-PRK work, and what happens next?

1 · Free initial consultation with our team. 2 · Pre-examination (CHF 300, credited): we measure corneal thickness and shape with the MS-39, and Dr. Derhartunian discusses with you whether Trans-PRK, EASE or SmartSight is right for you. 3 · Procedure, around 15 minutes for both eyes. 4 · Follow-up checks on the following day, after one week (bandage lens removed), after one and after three months.

Check suitability Call 044 221 95 02

Book a free initial consultation

Overview

All procedures compared

On the overview page laser eye surgery in Zurich you find all procedures side by side, with the suitability traffic light, documented results, healing timeline, fixed prices and instalment examples.

Other procedures at EyeLaser: SmartSight · Femto-LASIK 7D · SMILE or SmartSight? · PresbyMAX · ICL lens

By refractive error: Short-sightedness · Long-sightedness · Astigmatism · Presbyopia · Keratoconus

Costs and financing: All prices · Health insurance · Treatment process · Testimonials

Frequently asked questions about Trans-PRK

What is the difference between PRK, LASEK and Trans-PRK?

All three are surface procedures. In classic PRK, the surface layer of the cornea is removed mechanically; in LASEK, it is loosened with alcohol. In Trans-PRK, the laser removes the surface layer and corrects the refractive error in a single step, without instrument contact. In high short-sightedness, the results after twelve months were comparable to alcohol-assisted PRK (Antonios 2017). EyeLaser Zurich offers Trans-PRK.

Does Swiss health insurance (KVG) pay for laser eye surgery?

Mandatory basic health insurance (KVG) generally does not cover the costs, as the procedure is regarded as “comfort medicine”. There are exceptions for very large differences in dioptres between the two eyes or intolerance of contact lenses/glasses, but these are strictly assessed.

Does supplementary insurance (VVG) contribute to the costs?

Yes, this is very often the case. Many Swiss supplementary insurers (e.g. Helsana COMPLETA PLUS, SWICA) contribute between CHF 500 and CHF 1’500 per eye towards refractive surgery. We recommend checking your policy in advance and obtaining a cost approval (Kostengutsprache) from your insurer before the procedure – we will support you with this.

Can I deduct the costs of Trans-PRK from my taxes?

Medical costs you pay yourself are deductible to the extent that they exceed the deductible threshold: for federal tax and in the canton of Zurich 5 percent of net income, in St. Gallen 2 percent, and for the Basel-Landschaft cantonal tax there is no threshold. Circular 11a of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration explicitly lists laser eye surgery as a medical expense from the 2027 tax period onwards. EyeLaser Zurich issues all receipts; the assessment is made by the tax office.

How long will I be unable to work after Trans-PRK?

Realistically, plan for 5 to 7 days. For the first 3 days your vision is blurred and your eyes are sensitive to light. For screen work in Zurich offices, we often recommend scheduling the operation on a Thursday or Friday and taking the following week off.

Is SmartSight better than Trans-PRK?

“Better” is relative. SmartSight heals faster and is more comfortable (less pain). Trans-PRK, however, is “more tissue-sparing” and can also repair corneal irregularities. If you have an extremely thin cornea, Trans-PRK is “better” (safer). If you want comfort, SmartSight is “better”.

When can I drive again after Trans-PRK?

Driving is only permitted once we have confirmed the legally required visual acuity at a follow-up check. After Trans-PRK at EyeLaser Zurich, this is usually the case after 10 to 14 days. You can use public transport with sunglasses from the first day.

How bad is the pain after Trans-PRK?

The first two to three days are unpleasant: foreign-body sensation, watering eyes, sensitivity to light. A Cochrane review found more pain after PRK than after LASIK (Shortt 2013). At EyeLaser Zurich, a bandage lens, drops and painkillers provide relief; from about the fourth day it usually gets much better.

Can I go swimming in Lake Zurich?

Swimming in a lake or indoor pool and sauna are possible after four weeks, once the surface layer has closed and we have given approval at the follow-up check. As long as the bandage lens is in place, no water may get into the eye, not even tap water; in the first month, swimming goggles provide protection.

Is skiing in the Alps a problem after the operation?

The dry mountain air and strong UV radiation are the challenges. Skiing is possible again after about 2 weeks, but high-quality ski goggles with 100% UV protection are an absolute must in the mountains for the first 6 months to prevent scarring (haze).

Why does Trans-PRK in Zurich cost more than some offers abroad?

The price of CHF 1’500 per eye at EyeLaser Zurich includes the procedure by Dr. Derhartunian, the follow-up checks of the first three months in Zurich and an enhancement for up to ten years with an annual check. For every offer, compare whether the pre-examination, checks and enhancement are included and who carries out the checks. More under Laser eye surgery abroad.

What happens if I move my eye during the operation?

Nothing bad. Our SCHWIND AMARIS laser has 7D eye tracking. It monitors the position of the eye more than 1000 times per second. At the slightest movement, the laser corrects the beam or stops immediately and automatically.

Does the result last a lifetime?

The lasered tissue does not grow back. The result is permanent. From around the age of 45–50, however, natural presbyopia sets in (reading glasses), which affects every eye. It can then be treated with a lens exchange or with PresbyMAX laser treatment.

What is night vision like after Trans-PRK?

In the first few weeks, halos and glare at night are common and usually decrease as the eye heals. Wavefront-guided Trans-PRK (CHF 2’500) additionally takes higher-order aberrations into account; it is mainly an option for large pupils or pre-existing light effects. Whether this makes sense for you is shown by the wavefront measurement during the pre-examination at EyeLaser Zurich.

Am I too old for Trans-PRK?

There is no fixed age limit; the prerequisite is a stable prescription from the age of 18. From about 45, we additionally consider PresbyMAX for presbyopia. From about 55, a lens exchange is often more sensible because it corrects refractive error and presbyopia at the same time; from about 60, it is usually the better choice than the laser.

How much does Trans-PRK cost in Zurich?

Trans-PRK at EyeLaser Zurich costs CHF 1’500 per eye; SmartSurfACE is standard. Wavefront-guided Trans-PRK costs CHF 2’500 per eye. In six monthly instalments you pay interest-free, CHF 250 per month and eye. The pre-examination (CHF 300) is credited; medication is available on prescription from the pharmacy.

Trans-PRK or LASIK: which is better?

After one year, the results are comparable (Shortt 2013). Femto-LASIK gets you back to everyday life faster and is less painful, but requires a flap. Trans-PRK works without a flap and is therefore often the better choice for thin corneas and contact sport. At EyeLaser Zurich, the corneal measurement during the pre-examination decides. Comparison of all procedures: Laser eye surgery methods compared.

Sources

Margarit DA, Stanca HT, Mocanu V et al. Short-Term Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Single-Step Transepithelial PRK with Amaris 750S and SmartSurf(ACE). Life (Basel) 2024;14:1288. PMID 39459588
Antonios R, Abdul Fattah M, Arba Mosquera S et al. Single-step transepithelial versus alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy in the treatment of high myopia. Br J Ophthalmol 2017;101:1106–1112. PMID 27941045
Shortt AJ, Allan BD, Evans JR. LASIK versus PRK for myopia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;CD005135. PMID 23440799
de Rojas V, Llovet F, Martínez M et al. Infectious keratitis in 18,651 laser surface ablation procedures. J Cataract Refract Surg 2011;37:1822–1831. PMID 21865006
Majmudar PA, Schallhorn SC, Cason JB et al. Mitomycin-C in corneal surface excimer laser ablation techniques. Ophthalmology 2015;122:1085–1095. PMID 25795477
Randleman JB, White AJ, Lynn MJ et al. Retreatment after wavefront-optimized ablations with PRK and LASIK. J Refract Surg 2009;25:273–276. PMID 19370822
Moshirfar M, Tukan AN, Bundogji N et al. Ectasia After Corneal Refractive Surgery: A Systematic Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2021;10:753–776. PMID 34417707
Eidgenössische Steuerverwaltung: Kreisschreiben Nr. 11a, 26.05.2026. estv.admin.ch