The technology we use at EyeLaser Zurich is so advanced that it unites two patient groups. The implantation of a modern multifocal lens (hybrid) allows you to live without glasses. However, the path to achieving this differs depending on your initial situation.
You don’t have cataracts, but want to get rid of your progressive glasses?
From around 45–50 years of age, the natural lens loses elasticity (presbyopia). Corneal laser treatment has its limitations here. The replacement of the natural lens with a Odyssey hybrid lens permanently solves the problem.
In the past, cataract surgery was a purely “repair procedure.” The cloudy lens was removed and a standard (monofocal) lens was inserted. The patient could see brightly again but still needed glasses for distance and near vision.
The result: You not only lose the cataract but also gain freedom from glasses.
For a long time, classic “trifocal lenses” were the standard. They had sharp rings that split light. This worked well but often led to glare (halos) and loss of contrast at night.
At EyeLaser Zurich, we rely on the 2nd generation (Hybrid & EDOF), such as the Johnson & Johnson Tecnis Odyssey or Bausch + Lomb Envista.
Transparency is important to us. Here you can find out exactly how the costs are composed.
In Switzerland, basic health insurance (KVG) covers the costs for the surgical technique “manual with scalpel” and a “standard lens” (monofocal).
If you opt for premium vision, the following costs will be personally incurred by you (self-payer portion):
Since this procedure serves the desire for freedom from glasses and is not medically mandatory (as glasses could also be worn), health insurance does not cover any costs.
A premium lens tolerates no errors. Therefore, we leave nothing to chance in planning.
We measure your eye with the Heidelberg Anterion and CSO MS-39. This data flows into AI-based formulas (such as Kane, Barrett, or Hill-RBF). These algorithms “learn” from thousands of eyes worldwide and predict the position of the lens in the eye more precisely than any classical formula.
We recommend performing the procedure with the femtosecond laser.
An eye is living tissue. Wound healing is individual.
We only operate if the anatomy is correct. We rigorously check:
Lens exchange is a procedure inside the eye. Especially in young patients with high myopia, there is a statistical risk that the retina may detach years later.
In very rare cases (under 1%), the brain does not adapt to the new vision (“lack of neuroadaptation”).
The solution: We will not leave you alone. A Lens replacement is possible. We remove the multifocal lens and insert a classic monofocal lens. Thanks to our precise preliminary examination (simulation tests), however, this scenario is extremely rare.
Book your eligibility check in Zurich. Experience what happens when state-of-the-art technology meets true Swiss treatment quality.
Book an appointment for a suitability checkRLA (Refractive Lens Exchange) costs approximately CHF 4,500 – 5,500 per eye in Zurich (guideline), as you pay for everything yourself. For cataract surgery, the health insurance covers approx. CHF 2,000 (flat rate). As a patient, you only pay the surcharge for the premium lens (approx. CHF 1,500 – 2,000) and the femto laser (approx. CHF 1,500). Please note: These are guideline values; you will receive an exact cost estimate.
Basic health insurance in Switzerland only covers what is “economical and appropriate.” This refers to manual surgery with a scalpel. The laser is considered “comfort technology” for higher precision. Since it is not strictly necessary to remove the cataract (but is recommended for a premium result), it must be paid for privately.
Yes. The material (hydrophobic acrylic) is age-resistant and “glistening-free.” It remains clear for life. What can happen: The natural capsule in which the lens sits can become cloudy after years (“after-cataract”). This can be painlessly polished in 2 minutes with a YAG laser in the practice.
No. We use state-of-the-art topical anesthesia. You are awake but feel no pain. You only notice that work is being done on your eye and see colorful lights. The procedure takes only about 15–20 minutes per eye.
Yes. Modern hybrid lenses (Odyssey) are designed to minimize halos (light circles). They are significantly more tolerable than old trifocal lenses. In the initial period (3-6 months), the brain adapts (neuroadaptation), during which light effects are still perceived but are gradually filtered out over time.
Because biological tissue is never 100% predictable. Even with AI formulas, a deviation of 0.5 diopters can remain. A pure lens surgeon often cannot do anything more here. At EyeLaser, we use our excimer laser to smooth away this residual error on the cornea. This is included in the premium package.
Probably not. At this age, the risk of retinal detachment due to lens exchange is statistically increased. Furthermore, you can often still accommodate (focus) yourself. We would most likely recommend an ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) here. We check this with our risk calculator.
The Kappa angle is the difference between the optical axis of the eye and your line of sight. Multifocal lenses have rings. If you do not look precisely through the center of these rings (due to a large Kappa angle), you will experience glare and poor vision. We measure this in advance. If the angle is too large, we do not operate with a multifocal lens.
Some supplementary insurances (VVG) contribute to refractive procedures (similar to laser eye surgery). This varies between CHF 500 and CHF 1,500 per eye. We will provide you with the necessary documents for submission.
You usually see well the next day. Full visual acuity and neuroadaptation (getting used to the new vision) settle in over 3 to 12 weeks. However, you are usually able to work again after 2-3 days.
