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.
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

Premium Technology: The Digital Workflow at EyeLaser Zurich

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, one of the world’s most advanced 2nd generation tomographs.

  • 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. This eliminates the risk of human input errors during data entry.

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 perfect outcome, especially in cases of astigmatism.

The Centering Leader: Why Centrax Changes Everything

Most patients ask about the speed of the laser. However, in modern eye surgery, centering is by far the more important factor for visual quality.

Keratoconus

The Problem with Conventional Lasers (like SMILE):
Here, the surgeon must define the centering before the suction module fixates the eye. However, due to physical contact and vacuum, the eye can shift minimally (decentration).

The SmartSight Nova Solution (Centrax):
The Schwind Atos laser allows the surgeon to digitally fine-tune the centering after suction (post-applanation).

  1. The eye is already securely fixated and immobile by the vacuum.
  2. The Centrax software displays the ideal optical axis to the surgeon.
  3. The laser is precisely aligned to this point.

Why is this important?
A decentration of only a few micrometers can lead to halos (Halos) or ghosting (Ghosting) at night. SmartSight Nova mathematically minimizes this risk.

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.

Method Comparison: Facts for Your Decision

Comparison: SMILE (Standard) · SMILE Pro · CLEAR · SmartSight NOVA
Technology Feature SMILE (Standard) SMILE Pro CLEAR SmartSight NOVA
Laser Platform VisuMax 500 VisuMax 800 FEMTO Z8 Schwind Atos (Nova)
Diagnostic Integration None / Manual Medium Medium Fully Integrated (MS-39)
Centering Timing Before Suction Before Suction Before Suction AFTER Suction
Iris Registration No Yes Yes Yes (Fully Automatic)
Method Focus Proven Speed Flexibility Maximum Centering
Surface Smoothness Standard High High Ultra-Smooth (Low Energy)

Trust Through Control

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. Victor Derhartunian (FEBO, FWCRS) explains:

“In my practice in Zurich, I find that patients value technological transparency. I chose the Schwind Atos because it gives me, as a surgeon, a level of control that other systems lack. The ability to correct centering once the eye is already fixated is a game-changer. We are not chasing seconds – we are chasing the perfect optical point. 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 up to -10 dpt, astigmatism up to 5 dpt. 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 pain-free 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.

Your Path to Visual Freedom

Do not leave your eyes to chance.
Experience Swiss precision at a new level. Schedule a consultation at EyeLaser in Zurich and have your eyes measured with the high-end diagnostics of the MS-39.

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 · ReLEx SMILE · 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