Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure is painless thanks to topical anaesthesia (drops). With Trans-PRK SmartSurfACE, the laser never touches the eye — no contact, no blade, no flap. The post-operative sensation is moderate discomfort (like sand in the eye) lasting 24-48 hours, managed with painkillers and eye drops.

The laser treatment lasts approximately 30 seconds per eye. The full procedure, including preparation, takes about 15 minutes for both eyes.

The correction of the refractive error present at the time of the procedure is permanent. The laser permanently changes the curvature of the cornea. However, the eye may evolve with age: presbyopia progresses (lens) and in rare cases, slight regression may be observed.

No, on the day of the procedure, an accompanying person is required. Driving is generally possible after 3-7 days for Trans-PRK, once vision reaches a sufficient level. Dr Mossa authorises the return to driving at the postoperative check-up.

Candidacy depends on several factors: stability of the defect, corneal thickness, topography, age, general eye health. The only way to find out is the free diagnostic examination (30 minutes, MS-39, aberrometry, pupillometry, pachymetry). Dr Mossa personally evaluates each case.

In many cases, yes. Trans-PRK removes less tissue than LASIK (no 120 µm flap). Patients with corneas of 480-490 µm, inoperable with LASIK, may be candidates for Trans-PRK. The MS-39 diagnostic measures the exact thickness across 25,000 points.

Generally from 20-22 years old, once the refractive error has stabilised (variation < 0.50 D in 12 months). For PresbyMAX, the ideal window is between 45 and 65 years. There is no absolute maximum limit — candidacy is evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the diagnostic examination.

Yes. PresbyMAX Hybrid corrects presbyopia and myopia in a single laser session. This is one of the most common cases in patients over 45 wearing bifocal or progressive lenses.

With Trans-PRK, functional vision is achieved between day 5 and day 10. Stabilisation occurs in 4-6 weeks, with the final result confirmed at the 3-month check-up. With PresbyMAX, recovery is faster (2-3 days for functional vision).

A rest of 3-5 days is recommended, especially for those working at a screen. The therapeutic lens is removed on day 4-5. Sport with risk of eye trauma should be avoided for 1 month.

Some dryness is normal in the first weeks. Trans-PRK causes less dryness than LASIK as it does not cut the corneal nerves (no flap). It is managed with artificial tears. In the vast majority of cases, dryness resolves completely within the first month.

Trans-PRK SmartSurfACE is a surface photoablation: the AMARIS 1050RS laser removes the epithelium and corrects the defect in a single continuous ablation, without ever touching the eye. LASIK and SMILE are intrastromal techniques: they require a cut in the cornea (flap in LASIK, lenticle in SMILE). Trans-PRK does not weaken the corneal structure, does not cut the nerves and offers a superior long-term safety profile.

Trans-PRK SmartSurfACE on the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS is the only technique combining zero contact with the eye, a wider optical treatment zone (fewer night halos), no cut in the cornea, and wavefront-guided photoablation. Two weeks after the procedure, visual recovery is equivalent to all other techniques. Dr Mossa has experience with all techniques and chose Trans-PRK based on +25,000 procedures and long-term outcome data.

These are the 3 ablation modes of the laser. Aberration-Free is the optimised standard profile. Corneal Wavefront is guided by corneal topography (MS-39), indicated for irregular corneas. Ocular Wavefront is guided by total eye aberrometry, indicated for pre-existing halos or visual disturbances. Dr Mossa selects the profile based on each patient's diagnostics.

It is a laser treatment to correct presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close after 40). Three variants: µ-Monovision (most prescribed, rapid adaptation), Hybrid (presbyopia + myopia), Monovision Advanced (simple presbyopia). Dr Mossa selects the variant based on the MS-39 diagnostic and the patient's visual profile.

Trans-PRK SmartSurfACE: from CHF 1,250 per eye (bilateral). PresbyMAX: from CHF 1,500 per eye (bilateral). The price includes the diagnostic examination, the procedure, all postoperative check-ups and the 5-year guarantee (subject to annual check-up).

No. Refractive laser surgery is not covered by basic health insurance (LAMal) in Switzerland. Some supplementary insurance plans offer a partial contribution. Assura patients benefit from a 10% discount on all treatments.

Assura members present their card at the visit and automatically receive a 10% discount on all laser treatments. The discount is combinable with the bilateral package. No additional administrative procedure.

Yes, payment in instalments is possible. Terms are discussed during the diagnostic examination with the secretariat.

EasyLaser Network is the quality standard shared by the CEMO and Centro Laser Ticino clinics. It is not the name of a clinic — it is the guarantee that each centre operates with the same medical director (Dr Mossa), the same laser (AMARIS 1050RS), the same diagnostics (MS-39) and the same surgical protocol.

4 centres in Switzerland: CEMO Lausanne (headquarters, since 2011), Centro Laser Ticino in Mendrisio (since 2017), CEMO Yverdon (within the eHnv) and CEMO Geneva. Diagnostic examinations and check-ups are available at all centres. Laser procedures take place in Lausanne and Mendrisio.

FMH specialist in Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery, with over 25,000 refractive laser surgery procedures since 1996. Training at Oxford (Nuffield Laboratory, 8 years), Bari and Strasbourg. 6 PubMed publications (JCRS, JAMA Ophthalmology, BJO, Eye). Medical Director and guarantor of the EasyLaser Network standard.