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In brief

SmartSight NOVA: the essentials in brief

SmartSight NOVA is the centration-guided variant of SmartSight. Before the procedure your eye is measured with the MS-39 and uniquely assigned by iris registration; CenTrax then aligns the treatment to the visual axis instead of the pupil centre. This pays off especially with pronounced astigmatism, a large angle kappa and high demands on night vision.

✓Difference from SmartSight: centration on the visual axis instead of the pupil centre, digital transfer of the measurement data without retyping.
✓Recommended for: higher astigmatism, large angle kappa, professions with a lot of night driving.
✓Price: CHF 3’000 per eye, fixed price including follow-up checks during the first three months.
✓Procedure: identical to SmartSight: flap-free, around 20 minutes for both eyes.
Straight to the point:Am I suitable? →Results →All prices →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 3’000fixed price per eye, including three months of follow-up
4,9 / 5from 118 Google reviewsAs of September 2026
Kreis 1Strehlgasse 33, two minutes on foot from Paradeplatz
Check your suitability for SmartSight NOVA044 221 95 02

How do the measurement data get to the laser?

In Switzerland, “precision” stands for the uncompromising interplay of diagnosis and craftsmanship. SmartSight Nova is not an isolated laser step, but a highly complex, networked system.

SCHWIND MS-39

The “Digital Handshake”: MS-39 Diagnostics

Every procedure at EyeLaser Zurich begins with the MS-39, a 2nd generation tomograph.

  • Precision: It creates a high-resolution 3D model of your cornea using OCT technology.
  • Safety: The measurement data is encrypted and automatically transferred to the Schwind Atos laser. Because the data are not typed in by hand, this source of error is eliminated.

Iris Registration – Your Biometric Fingerprint

As soon as you are positioned under the laser, the system recognizes your identity based on your iris pattern. This Iris Registration aligns the position of your eye with the diagnostic data. Since eyes can rotate slightly in the eye socket when lying down (cyclotorsion), the laser automatically corrects this angle. This is essential for a good outcome, especially in cases of astigmatism.

How does SmartSight NOVA centre the treatment?

Keratoconus

In every lenticule extraction the surgeon determines where the treatment sits on the cornea. With the SCHWIND ATOS he can still adjust the centration digitally even after the contact glass has docked; CenTrax displays the position of the visual axis for this. Rotation of the eye when lying down (cyclotorsion) is detected and compensated by iris registration. This matters above all with astigmatism and with a large distance between the pupil centre and the visual axis (angle kappa).

A decentration of a few tenths of a millimetre can cause halos or double contours at night. The pre-examination shows whether NOVA makes a measurable difference compared with SmartSight for your eye; not every eye needs NOVA.

Results

What research shows about lenticule extraction

NOVA differs from SmartSight in centration, not in principle. The outcome figures of the method therefore apply equally.

up to 98 %

achieved 20/20 or better without correction

systematic review of six case series, 877 eyes, SCHWIND ATOS; range 59 to 98 % depending on series and time of measurement. PubMed 42573219

98 %

were within ±0.5 dioptres of the target correction after three months

best series of the same review; on day one only 40 %, precision builds up over weeks

MS-39

measurement of front surface, back surface and epithelial thickness

basis of centration with CenTrax

These figures come from published studies and are not our own data. Study populations differ in baseline values, time of measurement and definition of the outcome, so the figures are not directly comparable with one another. What is realistic for your eye, we tell you after the pre-examination.

We are not aware of any dedicated studies comparing NOVA directly with SmartSight. The risks are the same as for SmartSight; frequencies and sources are on the page SmartSight: healing and risks.

SmartSight or SmartSight NOVA?

SmartSight and SmartSight NOVA at EyeLaser Zurich (prices per eye)
Feature SmartSight SmartSight NOVA
Principle Lenticule extraction without a flap Lenticule extraction without a flap
Laser SCHWIND ATOS SCHWIND ATOS
Centration Pupil centre CenTrax, on the visual axis after docking
Data transfer from the MS-39 – digital, no retyping
Compensation of eye rotation yes yes, with iris registration
useful above all for myopia, low astigmatism pronounced astigmatism, large angle kappa, high demands on night vision
Procedure, healing, risks identical
Price per eye CHF 2’500 CHF 3’000

Comparing with SMILE pro? ReLEx SMILE and SMILE pro from Zeiss are based on the same principle; EyeLaser Zurich does not offer them. SMILE or SmartSight?

Why NOVA? Dr Derhartunian explains

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

Patients in Zurich often seek the “best possible” solution, not the “fastest.” The greatest fear is loss of control during the procedure.

Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian (FEBO, FWCRS) explains:

“In my practice in Zurich, I find that patients value technological transparency. I work with the SCHWIND ATOS because I can still adjust the centration when the eye is already docked. To me, the position of the treatment matters more than a few seconds of laser time. This gives not only me, but above all my patients, a deep sense of security.”

The “traffic light” for your suitability

PTK Lasertherapie Zürich

🟢 Green light: Myopia (limit according to KRC recommendations and corneal thickness), astigmatism (likewise per KRC and corneal thickness). You value excellent contrast vision and spend a lot of time working on computers or driving at night.

🟡 Yellow light: Very thin cornea or severe dry eye. In these cases, we use MS-39 diagnostics in Zurich to determine whether Nova or a Trans-PRK is the safer choice.

🔴 Red light: Acute keratoconus, cataracts, or unstable values. In this case, we will advise you on alternatives such as ICL lenses in Zurich.

What does SmartSight NOVA cost, and what happens next?

At EyeLaser Zurich SmartSight NOVA costs CHF 3’000 per eye. Included are the procedure by Dr Derhartunian, the follow-up checks in the first three months and enhancement for up to ten years with a yearly check-up (CHF 180). The pre-examination (CHF 300) is credited; medication is available on prescription at the pharmacy. Six months interest-free: CHF 500 per month and eye; longer terms via heylight with interest.

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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 · Trans-PRK · 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

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about SmartSight Nova

How long does the laser take with SmartSight NOVA?

With SmartSight NOVA the laser works for around 20 seconds per eye. Including preparation, docking and removal of the lenticule, the procedure at EyeLaser Zurich takes around 20 minutes for both eyes. You feel pressure, but thanks to anaesthetic eye drops usually no pain.

Do you see better at night after NOVA than after SmartSight?

The aim of centration on the visual axis is to reduce halos and double contours when the pupil is wide. We are not aware of any study that directly compares SmartSight NOVA and SmartSight. At EyeLaser Zurich we recommend NOVA when the measurement shows pronounced astigmatism or a large angle kappa.

Who benefits from NOVA instead of SmartSight?

At EyeLaser Zurich NOVA costs CHF 3’000 instead of CHF 2’500 per eye. The surcharge makes sense above all with pronounced astigmatism, a large distance between the pupil centre and the visual axis, and high demands on night vision, for example if you drive a lot at night. The pre-examination with the MS-39 shows whether this applies to you.

Can I go straight home after the procedure in Zurich?

Yes. Including preparation, the procedure takes only about 20 minutes. However, you will need someone to accompany you or a taxi, as you may not drive yourself immediately after the operation.

How secure is the data transfer?

The “digital handshake” between the MS-39 and the Atos takes place via a closed system. This is the modern standard for ruling out sources of human error.

Who performs SmartSight NOVA?

At EyeLaser Zurich Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS, performs every laser procedure personally. He has performed around 25’000 refractive procedures and almost 6’000 SmartSight treatments.

Sources
  1. Arifaizha N, Adji MWK, Rachmani AV, Pujiastuti S. Visual Outcomes of SmartSight (SCHWIND ATOS) Refractive Surgery in the Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism: A Systematic Review. J Refract Surg 2026;42(8):e857–e866. PMID 42573219
  2. Pradhan KR, Arba Mosquera S. SmartSight Correction of Compound Myopic Astigmatism Treatments With Preoperative Astigmatism > 1.00 Diopter Using the SCHWIND ATOS. J Refract Surg 2024;40(5):e328–e335. PMID 38717080