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What You Will Learn in this Text

In brief

What is PTK?

Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a laser therapy in which the excimer laser smooths the uppermost layer of the cornea so that the epithelium adheres again in recurrent corneal erosion. At EyeLaser Zurich, Dr. Victor Derhartunian performs PTK personally. In one study, 72 percent of eyes were symptom-free afterwards, and 9 percent had renewed erosions (Rashad 2001).

✓For whom: recurrent erosions despite three months of ointments and bandage lenses, superficial scars, map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, Salzmann nodules.
✓Procedure: about 15 minutes, anesthesia with drops, followed by a bandage lens for four to five days; usually able to work again after one to two weeks.
✓Costs: CHF 1’500 per eye, self-pay.
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS, specialist FMH in ophthalmology, on 2 October 2026 · Last updated on 2 October 2026

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) is a specialized medical laser procedure for healing the corneal surface. Unlike purely optical corrections, the focus here is on restoring a pain-free, healthy eye. EyeLaser Zurich uses precise Trans- PTK (no-touch technique) with the SCHWIND Amaris laser to remove diseased tissue, scars, or dystrophies with micrometer precision.

Why Ointments are Often not Enough

Mechanical defects of the cornea often require laser smoothing so that the tissue can adhere permanently again.

End of Morning Pain

PTK breaks the vicious cycle of nocturnal corneal tearing and sharp pain upon waking.

Costs & Health Insurance

At EyeLaser Zurich, PTK costs CHF 1’500 per eye; you pay for it yourself. After the pre-examination, you will receive a written cost breakdown.

Special Case: Scars & Dystrophies

We explain how the laser precisely reduces even old scars or genetic changes (e.g. map-dot-fingerprint).

Who Will Treat Me?

Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian is an FMH specialist and holds the international qualification FWCRS.

What is the Difference between PTK and a Normal Eye Laser Surgery?

Phake Linsen (ICL) in Zürich

While procedures like LASIK primarily aim to eliminate the need for glasses, PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy) is a therapeutic procedure.

We use a modern form, Trans-PTK (No-Touch):

  1. No-touch: The laser removes the unstable epithelium and the diseased tissue in one step.
  2. Smoothing: The laser polishes the corneal surface. Irregularities, scar tissue, or dystrophies are removed with micrometer precision.

The Result: This creates a fresh, very smooth wound surface. When the skin regrows here, it finds extremely firm adhesion again through special “anchoring fibrils.”

How well does PTK work, and what are its risks?

PTK for recurrent corneal erosion: results and risks from studies
Result or risk How often Source
symptom-free after PTK 72 % of eyes (31 of 43), follow-up 12 to 48 months Rashad 2001
occasional mild symptoms on waking 19 % (8 of 43) Rashad 2001
renewed painful erosions 9 % (4 of 43); symptom-free after a second PTK Rashad 2001
slight shift towards farsightedness on average +0.15 diopters after one year Rashad 2001
pain in the first few days in most patients, until the surface layer has closed –
infection, clouding (haze) rare; no reliable frequency figure for PTK –

According to a review, PTK is a good option with a low recurrence rate for erosions in the visual center (Miller 2019). These figures come from published studies and are not our own figures.

First Aid for Acute Morning Pain

PTK Lasertherapie

If your eye stings upon waking:

  • Stay calm: Keep your eye closed!
  • Do not rub: Do not try to force the lid open.
  • Lubricate: Apply plenty of lubricating eye drops or gel to the inner corner of the eye.
  • Wait: Wait until the liquid has spread before gently opening the lid.
  • Appointment: Schedule an appointment with us in Zurich for clarification as soon as possible.

Areas of Application: when Does the Laser Help?

PTK Lasertherapie Zürich

In Zurich, we frequently treat patients with the following diagnoses:

  • Recurrent corneal erosion (RCE): Recurring defects after minor injuries (e.g., by branch, fingernail, paper).
  • Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy: A genetic predisposition where the corneal layers detach.
  • Salzmann’s Nodular Degeneration: Raised bluish-white nodules on the cornea that feel like foreign bodies.
  • Corneal Scars: After infections or injuries, located in the field of vision and causing “hazy vision.”

Breaking the Pain Cycle

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

“As a doctor, I don’t just see the cornea; I see the person behind it. Patients with corneal damage are often worn down. The constant worry, ‘Will it happen again tonight?’ creates stress. My goal as a surgeon is not only to offer you medical high-tech but to restore your sense of security. Our goal is for you to be able to sleep again without fear of the next morning.”

— Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS

Is PTK Right for You?

Ältere Frau mit grauem Haar lächelt – der Graue Star betrifft meist Menschen ab etwa 60

🟢 GREEN LIGHT (Ideally suited)

  • You experience morning pain when opening your eyes (erosion symptoms).
  • Conservative therapies (ointments, bandage contact lenses) have been unsuccessful for over 3 months.
  • You have superficial scars that cause glare (halos/glare).
  • Diagnosed Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy.

🟡 YELLOW LIGHT (Further assessment needed)

  • Combination desired: Do you want to get rid of your glasses at the same time? (Refractive PTK is often possible – separate cost regulations apply here).
  • Deep Scars: Measurement of residual corneal thickness with OCT is necessary.

🔴 RED LIGHT (Not suitable / Alternatives)

  • Acute, florid infections (e.g., active herpes) – eye must heal first.
  • Advanced keratoconus (Alternative: Crosslinking).

Methods in Comparison

Comparison: PTK / Trans-PTK (Therapeutic) · Trans-PRK (Refractive) · Conservative (Ointments)
Feature PTK / Trans-PTK (Therapeutic) Trans-PRK (Refractive) Conservative (Ointments)
Main goal Tissue healing, smoothing, freedom from pain Diopter correction (freedom from glasses) Symptom relief
Technique Superficial removal & polishing Removal according to diopter profile None
Wound healing 3–5 days (bandage lens) 3–5 days (bandage lens) Continuously necessary
Suitability scars well suited for superficial scars Good (if combined) No effect
Costs (CH) Self-payer, CHF 1’500 per eye Self-payer (not covered by insurance) Prescription fee
Deductible 100 % of costs borne by the patient 100% of costs borne by the patient Yes

The Healing Process: Your Timeline to Recovery

Day 0 (The Procedure)

Duration approx. 15 minutes. Largely pain-free thanks to drops. You will receive a bandage contact lens (protective shield). Vision will be blurred.

Day 1 to 3 (The Healing Phase)

The epithelium regrows. This is the uncomfortable phase: tearing, light sensitivity, foreign body sensation. Stay home, listen to audiobooks, rest your eyes.

Day 4 to 5 (The Relief)

The bandage contact lens is painlessly removed by us. The pain disappears abruptly. Vision is still slightly hazy (“frosted glass”).

Week 1 to 2 (Back to Everyday Life)

You are able to work again. Light exercise is permitted. Visual acuity stabilizes daily.

Month 3 (Final Result)

The cornea is smooth and stable. Scars are reduced or gone.

Your Path to Treatment in Zurich

Ein Leben ohne Brille – Erfolgsgeschichten aus Zürich

We make the process as pleasant as possible for you.

Arrival & Location:

  1. Our practice is located at Strehlgasse 33, right in the heart of Zurich.
  • Public Transport: Take tram 6, 7, 11, 13, or 17 to the Rennweg stop.. From there, it’s just a 3-minute walk.
  • Car: Urania or Jelmoli parking garages are in the immediate vicinity.

After Treatment:

  • Emergency: In the first 24 hours after the procedure, you can reach the surgeon around the clock; after that, the surgeon during the day and, at night, the emergency department of the hospital on duty. You can get drops on prescription at any pharmacy.
  • Behavior: Avoid swimming in Lake Zurich or public pools for the first 2 weeks – risk of infection!
  • Sun: On the Uetliberg or when skiing, sunglasses with UV400 are mandatory to prevent scarring (haze).

What our patients say

Trifokallinsen

“For 2 years, I woke up every morning in a panic. After PTK with Dr. Derhartunian, I was light-sensitive for 3 days, but since then: Never again pain. I have my life back.”
— Thomas M., Zurich

Don’t Suffer from Painful Nights any Longer.

Recurrent erosion does not have to be a permanent condition. Let Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian (FEBO, FWCRS) examine you.

Further laser procedures: Laser eye surgery · Prices: Laser eye surgery costs · for keratoconus: Crosslinking

Online appointment

Frequently Asked Questions about PTK

Does health insurance pay for PTK?

No. At EyeLaser Zurich, PTK is a self-pay service and costs CHF 1’500 per eye. After the pre-examination, you will receive a written cost breakdown.

Does PTK provide a lasting solution for recurrent erosion?

For most patients, yes. In a study of 43 eyes, 72 percent were symptom-free after PTK, 19 percent had occasional mild symptoms on waking, and 9 percent had renewed erosions; after a second PTK, these were also symptom-free (Rashad 2001). The laser removes the loosely attached layer, and the new surface layer anchors more firmly. At EyeLaser Zurich, we first check whether ointments and bandage lenses have been exhausted.

I am afraid of pain during the surgery. Will I feel anything?

Reassurance: No, the procedure itself is largely pain-free.

The process: We use special anesthetic drops that make the eye insensitive in seconds. You will feel neither the lid speculum nor the laser. Since we use Trans-PTK (no-touch), no mechanical instrument touches your eye.

How severe is the pain after PTK?

The first two to three days are uncomfortable, similar to a skin abrasion: foreign body sensation, tearing, sensitivity to light. At EyeLaser Zurich, you receive a bandage lens, drops and painkillers. In the first 24 hours, you can reach the surgeon around the clock; after that, the surgeon during the day and, at night, the emergency department of the hospital on duty.

Can I get Rid of My Glasses at the Same Time with PTK?

The upgrade: Yes, this is often possible and is called “refractive PTK” or topography-guided Trans-PRK.

The condition: We must have sufficient corneal thickness. Please note regarding costs: The “glasses-free portion” is not covered by insurance, as it is considered a lifestyle procedure. The medical “healing portion” often remains covered. We will provide you with a transparent cost estimate.

Do Corneal Scars Disappear Completely?

The result: Superficial scars often disappear 100%. Deep scars are significantly improved.

The effect: Scars scatter light (you see halos around streetlights). By smoothing with the laser, light scattering is massively reduced. The image becomes more contrast-rich and sharper again.

Where in Zurich does PTK take place?

In the EyeLaser Zurich practice at Strehlgasse 33, 8001 Zurich, with the SCHWIND AMARIS excimer laser. It is about a three-minute walk from the Rennweg tram stop.

How long will I be unable to work?

The planning: Allow one to two weeks.

The reason: As long as the bandage lens is in the eye and the epithelium is healing, your vision will be blurred (“like looking through frosted glass”). Driving and screen work are not possible during this time. We will issue a medical certificate for your employer.

What do the titles FMH and FWCRS mean?

Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian is a specialist FMH in ophthalmology, i.e. a specialist in eye medicine with a Swiss postgraduate specialist title. FWCRS stands for Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery, a distinction for refractive surgeons. FEBO is the diploma of the European Board of Ophthalmology.

Is the Treatment also Possible for Children?

The rule: At EyeLaser Zurich, we treat patients aged 18 and older.

The exception: For children (e.g., after a branch injury), PTK is often only possible under general anesthesia. For this, we recommend the Children’s Hospital Zurich or the USZ. However, we are happy to advise you for the initial diagnosis.

What happens with Salzmann's degeneration?

The problem: Raised nodules form on the cornea. Every blink rubs against them (foreign body sensation).

The solution: The laser precisely ablates these elevations. The surface becomes mirror-smooth again. The rubbing stops immediately.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Call EyeLaser Zurich on 044 221 95 02 and say that you have acute pain in the morning; we will then look for an appointment at short notice. For acute severe pain outside opening hours, please contact the emergency department of the hospital on duty.

Am I Allowed to Do Sports after the Surgery?

The schedule: Light exercise (jogging) is permitted after removal of the lens (Day 4-5).

The warning: Avoid swimming pools or Lake Zurich for 2-3 weeks! Bacteria in the water pose the greatest risk of infection during the healing phase.

Which Drops Do I Have to Take Afterwards?

Medication: You will receive antibiotics and cortisone for approximately 2-3 weeks.

Long-term care: Afterward, preservative-free artificial tears are mandatory for 2-3 months to keep the young epithelium supple. Should you run out of drops: The Bellevue Pharmacy is open 24h.

What if I move my eye during the laser treatment?

The SCHWIND AMARIS tracks the eye with a 7D eye tracker and compensates for small movements; with larger movements, the laser pauses. You do not have to freeze, just look at the fixation light. At EyeLaser Zurich, Dr. Derhartunian performs PTK personally.

Sources
  1. Rashad KM, Hussein HA, El-Samadouny MA et al. Phototherapeutic keratectomy in patients with recurrent corneal epithelial erosions. J Refract Surg 2001;17:511–518. PMID 11583220
  2. Miller DD, Hasan SA, Simmons NL et al. Recurrent corneal erosion: a comprehensive review. Clin Ophthalmol 2019;13:325–335. PMID 30809089