PresbyMAX vs. Presbyond: What is the difference?

Both procedures utilize the advanced principle of 'Laser Blended Vision' to correct presbyopia. While Presbyond® is a brand name from Zeiss, at EyeLaser Zurich we use Schwind's PresbyMAX® technology. PresbyMAX is considered a technologically equivalent, bi-aspheric method that offers excellent depth of field and often enables very rapid visual recovery.

Is PresbyMAX better than classic monovision?

Yes, PresbyMAX is often referred to as 'Hybrid Monovision' or 'Laser Blended Vision'. In classic monovision, one eye is rigidly set for distance and one for near, which can leave the intermediate range (e.g., computer) blurry. PresbyMAX, however, models an increased depth of field in both eyes, resulting in a smooth transition and better preservation of spatial vision (stereopsis).

Are there alternatives like Supracor in Switzerland?

Supracor is a well-known, but somewhat older, procedure on the Technolas platform. At EyeLaser, we rely on PresbyMAX (Schwind) or Laser Blended Vision, as these procedures often offer more modern ablation profiles, are more tissue-saving, and allow for more precise adaptation to individual corneal topography.

What does eye laser surgery for presbyopia cost in Zurich?

At EyeLaser Zurich, we offer PresbyMAX® at an indicative price of CHF 6,600 for both eyes. This includes the complete preliminary examination, the procedure with the modern Schwind ATOS Laser, and the follow-up checks in the first three months.

From what age is PresbyMAX® treatment in Zurich advisable?

The treatment is ideal for individuals aged approximately 40 to 45, as soon as reading glasses are regularly needed in everyday life – be it for reading the NZZ, on a smartphone, or when working at a computer. The decisive factor is not age alone, but the personal desire for independence from reading glasses.

Is the Laser Treatment Painful?

No. Thanks to highly effective anesthetic eye drops, the procedure itself is completely pain-free. You may feel slight pressure, but no pain. After the treatment, a slight foreign body sensation or watery eyes may occur for a few hours, which is normal and subsides quickly.

When Can I Return to Work after the Procedure, Especially on the Computer?

Most of our patients from the Zurich economic area can return to their workplace after just 1-2 days. Screen work may still be somewhat strenuous during the first few days. Regular breaks and the use of moisturizing eye drops are very helpful.

When can I resume sports – for example, hiking, swimming in Lake Zurich, or skiing?

Light activities such as hiking on the Uetliberg are often possible after 3-4 days. For swimming (due to infection risk) and intensive sports, you should wait about 2 weeks. Skiing is recommended again after approximately 3 weeks, initially with well-fitting sunglasses or ski goggles for protection against wind and sun.

How permanent is the result? What happens if I develop a cataract later?

The reshaping of the cornea performed by the laser is permanent. However, the natural aging of your eye continues to progress. Should you develop a cataract decades later, which is a normal aging process, it can be operated on without problems. The previous laser treatment does not pose an obstacle.

Does health insurance (basic or supplementary) cover the costs of the treatment?

Laser treatment for presbyopia is considered an elective procedure (cosmetic procedure) in Switzerland. Therefore, the costs are generally not covered by mandatory basic insurance. However, some supplementary insurances contribute to the costs. We recommend clarifying this with your insurance in advance; we will gladly provide you with a detailed cost estimate.

How safe is the procedure? What if I blink or move my eye during the laser treatment?

Safety is extremely high. Our SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS NextGen laser features an intelligent 7D eye-tracking system. This registers the position of your eye 1050 times per second and compensates for even the slightest involuntary movement in real-time. Should you blink too much or move your head, the laser stops immediately and resumes at the exact same spot as soon as the eye is back in position.

How realistic is 100% glasses-free vision? Will I never need glasses again?

Our goal is complete freedom from glasses for 95% of your everyday situations. Over 90% of our patients no longer need reading glasses in everyday life. However, it is realistic that for very fine work, extremely small print, or in poor lighting conditions (e.g., reading a menu in a dimly lit restaurant), you might optionally find a very weak reading aid comfortable.

How does night vision change? Should I expect halos or glare effects when driving?

In the first weeks and months after the procedure, there may be increased sensitivity to glare or the perception of halos around light sources at night. This is a normal side effect of the healing process, as the brain adapts to the new, multifocal vision. For the vast majority of patients, these effects completely subside.

What happens if my cornea is too thin for PresbyMAX®? Are there alternatives?

Safety is our absolute priority. Should your corneal thickness be insufficient for a PresbyMAX® treatment, we will honestly advise against it. In such cases, we will comprehensively advise you on excellent alternatives, such as a refractive lens exchange with a modern multifocal or EDOF lens.

Why does EyeLaser Zurich use SCHWIND technology and not another system?

After careful consideration, we chose SCHWIND's German high-tech platform because, in our opinion, it offers the highest precision, safety (7D eye-tracking), and the best customization options. This allows us to tailor the treatment precisely to the unique parameters of each individual eye to achieve the best possible results.

I already have somewhat dry eyes. Is laser treatment even possible then?

Dry eyes are an important factor. In our comprehensive preliminary examination, we analyze your tear film very precisely. For a mildly dry eye, treatment can often be performed after appropriate pre-treatment. For a severely pronounced dry eye syndrome, a lens exchange may be the better alternative. We will advise you on this with absolute transparency.

Are the costs of CHF 4,900 – 7,900 not very high compared to glasses?

At first glance, it may seem so. However, consider it a long-term investment in your quality of life and freedom. Calculate the costs for high-quality progressive and reading glasses that you would buy over the next 10-15 years. Often, laser treatment is ultimately the more economical and, above all, more comfortable solution.

What can I expect on the day of treatment at your clinic on Bahnhofstrasse? Do I need to bring someone with me?

Please plan for approximately 2 hours at our clinic on the day of treatment. The procedure itself only takes a few minutes. We strongly recommend that you arrange for someone to pick you up or take a taxi after the treatment, as you are not allowed to drive yourself immediately afterwards. You will receive protective sunglasses from us and can then rest comfortably at home.

Is a Touch-Up Procedure Possible if the Result is not Perfect?

Yes. Your satisfaction is our priority. In the rare event that a slight residual refractive error remains after complete healing that bothers you, a touch-up procedure (enhancement) is possible without problems in most cases. This is part of our quality promise to you.

Laser eye surgery in Zurich - laser eye surgery in Switzerland

PresbyMAX® Eye Laser in Zurich – your Reading Glasses Solution

Age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) becomes noticeable in almost everyone from their mid-40s: reading becomes difficult, and reading glasses become a constant companion. With PresbyMAX®, EyeLaser Zurich offers a state-of-the-art solution to permanently correct this limitation.

Book an Appointment Show me my suitability

In brief

PresbyMAX in Zurich: the essentials in brief

PresbyMAX uses the excimer laser to shape a multifocal profile into the cornea: one zone for distance, one for near. The eye’s own lens is preserved, nothing is implanted. The brain learns to switch between the zones; this adaptation takes weeks to months and does not succeed equally well for everyone. PresbyMAX is suitable for people from about 45 whose natural lens is still clear.

✓Duration: around 15 minutes for both eyes.

✓Adaptation: binocular vision has to settle in; allow weeks, in individual cases months.

✓Price: CHF 3’300 per eye, fixed price including follow-up checks during the first three months.

✓Honestly: some patients continue to need glasses for very small print or poor light.

✓Alternative from about 50: if the natural lens is already clouding, a lens exchange is the more sustainable solution.

Straight to the point:Am I suitable? →Results →All prices →All procedures →

Medically reviewed by Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO · Last updated: 13 September 2026

25’000refractive procedures performed personally by Dr Derhartunian

CHF 3’300fixed 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 PresbyMAX 044 221 95 02

The Medical Facts: Explained Clearly and Simply

What Exactly is Presbyopia (Age-Related Farsightedness)?

Presbyopia is not a disease, but a natural process. From the age of 40, the eye’s lens loses elasticity. It can no longer flex as easily to focus on near objects (accommodation). The result: letters blur, reading becomes strenuous, and reading glasses become necessary.

Prices & services

Price & services at a glance

Transparent, binding and without hidden costs — as Swiss medicine should be.

FIXED PRICE

PresbyMAX — laser correction for presbyopia

CHF 3’300 per eye

Hybrid monovision («Laser Blended Vision»): both eyes for distance and near.

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 guarantee — no surcharges after the preliminary examination

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

✓24/7 emergency access — you receive the surgeon’s personal mobile number

✓Preliminary examination CHF 300 — credited towards the treatment

✓Flexible instalments via our partner HeyLight

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

Results

What research shows about PresbyMAX, and what it leaves open

For PresbyMAX there is no randomised study and no meta-analysis, only case series with markedly varying results. We give you both ends of that range so that you can decide realistically.

91 %

achieved a near visual acuity of 0.1 logRAD or better without correction

largest published series, 716 eyes, six months. Baudu, Penin and Arba Mosquera 2013, PubMed 23317648; co-authors of the manufacturer SCHWIND involved

76 %

saw 20/25 or better at distance without correction

same series; 96 percent achieved distance and near together at 20/32 or better

41 %

achieved 20/20 at distance with both eyes

independent university study without manufacturer involvement, 29 evaluated patients, one year. Kohnen et al. 2020, PubMed 32773548

14 to 19 %

needed a touch-up within one year

Luger et al. 2015, 64 eyes bilateral (PubMed 26025425); Chan et al. 2017, 72 eyes, there PresbyMAX on one eye only in long-sighted patients (PubMed 28068445)

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.

Your recovery

How your recovery after PresbyMAX proceeds

Realistic guide values from practice; your personal course is closely monitored at the follow-up checks.

SURGERY DAY

A few hours of watering and burning, then rapid improvement.

DAY 1

Follow-up check at the clinic; usually good everyday vision already.

DAYS 2–3

Work and screens without difficulty, driving after medical clearance.

WEEKS 1–2

Do not rub your eyes, avoid eye make-up.

WEEKS 2–12

Neuroadaptation: the brain learns to make optimal use of the near-far combination of the two eyes; with presbyopia correction this takes a little longer than with pure laser eye surgery.

MONTHS 3–6

Full adaptation: reading, screen and distance without glasses, accompanied by the follow-up checks. If necessary, fine-tuning takes place now.

Transparency

What are the risks, and how do we manage them?

Honesty is part of Swiss medicine. We discuss these points openly before every procedure:

iAdaptation time the brain needs weeks to make full use of blended vision; patience pays off.

iSlight compromises in contrast or intermediate distances at first usually normalise completely with adaptation.

iHalos and dry eyes in the first weeks temporary and easily treatable.

iUnder- or overcorrection rare; a touch-up is possible and included in the fixed price.

“Think of blood-pressure therapy: you start with one tablet, measure again, and adjust the dose until the value is right. It is the same with the correction of presbyopia: we correct, the brain gets used to the new vision, and if necessary we fine-tune. A touch-up is not a setback but part of a precise treatment, and with us it is included in the fixed price.”
— Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO

Your safety net: Should a touch-up be necessary, it is included in the fixed price at EyeLaser Zurich for up to ten years, provided you attend the annual check. And for emergencies you receive the surgeon’s personal mobile number, around the clock, including weekends.

PresbyMAX®: the Intelligent Solution for Sharp Vision at all Distances

Instead of just creating a “reading window,” the PresbyMAX® treatment reshapes your cornea according to a multifocal principle – similar to high-quality varifocal glasses, but invisible on your eye.

Center of the cornea: Optimized for excellent near vision.
Outer zone: Maintained for clear distance vision.
Seamless transition: Ensures sharp vision in the intermediate range (e.g., computer).

Your brain effortlessly combines the visual impressions from both eyes into a single, clear overall image. This process (neuroadaptation) occurs quite naturally within a few weeks.

Advantages of PresbyMAX®

Proven technology with thousands of treatments worldwide
Permanent alternative to reading or progressive glasses
Works regardless of glasses type
Performed at EyeLaser Zurich with the most advanced Schwind ATOS Femtosecond Laser

Discover why PresbyMAX gives your life a new lease of life

Turn back the clock for your eyes and enjoy glasses-free vision with this ultra-precise treatment

Your transparent path to freedom from glasses in Zurich

Safety and clarity are our top priorities. From the initial examination to the aftercare, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

The Costs: A Fair Investment in your Quality of Life

A PresbyMAX® treatment is a one-time investment that pays off over many years.

Indicative price: CHF 6,600 for both eyes.
All inclusive: All preliminary and follow-up examinations in the first year.
Transparency: You will receive a binding cost estimate before the treatment.
Financing: Flexible installment options are available upon request.

The Process in 5 Easy Steps

Free Eligibility Check

Comprehensive Eye Analysis (approx. 30 min.)

Personal Consultation

We’ll discuss your results and answer all your questions.

The treatment

Painless, outpatient, and takes just approx. 15 minutes for both eyes.

Aftercare

Next-day check-up and a clear recovery plan.

Your New Vision Experience

Enjoy significantly improved vision after only a short time.

Who is PresbyMAX® Suitable for?

People aged around 40 and above who want to get rid of their reading glasses
Patients who constantly alternate between distance and near vision in daily life
Active people who desire more freedom during sports or travel

Seeing is believing: Real results from Zurich

The best proof of a treatment’s success is the real experiences of our patients. See for yourself what change is possible and why our lead surgeon, Dr. Derhartunian, trusts the precision of PresbyMAX®.

“Constantly searching for my glasses in meetings was humiliating. Now I act confidently again. One of the best decisions of my life.” – Markus T., Management Consultant from Seefeld

“Finally being able to spontaneously read the hiking map on the Uetliberg again without fumbling. That is pure quality of life for me.” – Claudia B., Architect from Wiedikon

The EyeLaser Traffic Light: Am I a Good Candidate?

🟢 Green Light: You are over 40, healthy, and want to get rid of your reading glasses.
🟡 Yellow Light: For dry eyes or thin corneas, a detailed assessment is necessary.
🔴 Red Light: For advanced cataracts, there are better alternatives such as lens replacement, which we also provide honest advice on.

Comparison: PresbyMAX® vs. Other Procedures

Comparison: PresbyMAX® (our choice) · Lens replacement
Criterion	PresbyMAX® (our choice)	Lens replacement
Principle	Laser shapes the cornea	Artificial lens replaces the natural one
Ideal for	Age 40-60, without cataracts	Age >55, with cataracts
Advantage	Minimally invasive, natural lens remains	Permanent solution, prevents cataracts
Safety	Extremely high, proven procedure	Very safe, routine surgery

Start a life without reading glasses

You have seen the real stories and understood the facts. If you are ready to start your own success story, we are here for you. The first step is simple, free, and without obligation.

Book your eligibility assessment now at our clinic on Bahnhofstrasse and discover how your life could be without reading glasses.

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 · ICL lens

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

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