PresbyMAX — Quick Answers
- Does the PresbyMAX procedure hurt? No, strong anesthetic drops are applied before the procedure, so you may only feel a very gentle pressure for a few seconds.
- How long does the PresbyMAX procedure take? The procedure takes 10 minutes and is performed with the fastest laser in the world (Schwind AMARIS 1050RS).
- Will I get sick leave (L4) after the PresbyMAX procedure? Yes, sick leave is issued for the recovery period, usually 3 to 5 days, which allows your eyes to rest from computer screens.
- Does the NFZ (National Health Fund) reimburse the PresbyMAX procedure? No, laser presbyopia correction using the PresbyMAX method is an innovative luxury medicine procedure, performed in Poland exclusively privately.
- Who is the PresbyMAX procedure for? The procedure is intended for individuals aged 40-55 with presbyopia and a distance vision defect (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism) who want to avoid intraocular surgery and preserve their natural lens.
PresbyMAX®: Swiss Freedom from Reading Glasses. Reclaim Your Time and Status.
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
PresbyMAX is the most advanced laser method for presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) correction. It allows for sharp vision at every distance – from a smartphone, through a computer screen, to the horizon – without invasive replacement of the natural eye lens. The procedure takes 10 minutes and is performed with the fastest laser in the world (Schwind AMARIS 1050RS). This solution is designed for active individuals aged 40-55+ who desire complete independence from “progressives” in business and private life. We support your comfort with L4 sick leave and financing from Santander Consumer Bank.
The Swiss Answer to Presbyopia (Age-Related Farsightedness)
Instead of just creating a “reading window,” the PresbyMAX® procedure reshapes the cornea to improve near vision. After the age of 40, the lens in your eye loses elasticity. This is pure biology. But in the dynamic world of business and technology, this biological fact does not have to mean slowing down for you. At SwissLaser Poland, we have implemented the PresbyMAX method, which redefines the possibilities of laser correction for the 40+ generation.
Unlike the outdated “monovision” method (where one eye is set for distance and the other for near, which disorients the brain), PresbyMAX works differently:
- Natural Fusion:Your brain doesn’t have to choose between images – it receives a full spectrum of fluid vision (so-called Extended Depth of Focus).
- Corneal Multifocality:The laser sculpts a microscopic multifocal profile on the eye’s surface.
- Depth of Focus:Each eye individually gains the ability to see sharply at various distances.
Schwind AMARIS 1050RS Technology: Why is it Crucial?
The PresbyMAX procedure requires extreme precision, which is why we perform it with the fastest and most accurate excimer laser in the world – Schwind AMARIS 1050RS.
Its Eye-Tracker 7D system tracks your eye movements 1050 times per second in seven dimensions (including micro-rotations, time, and globe movement compensation). Before your eye even twitches, the laser has already corrected its position. This is a level of Swiss safety that eliminates human error and ensures the precision expected by Premium segment patients.
Correction Methods After 40 — Comparison
The choice of method depends on your anatomy and age. As one of the few clinics in Europe, we offer a full range of solutions. With us, technology adapts to you, not the other way around.
| Feature | PresbyMAX (Corneal Laser) | Allotex (Biological Inlay) | RLE (Lens Exchange) |
| Mechanism of Action | Corneal reshaping | Biological implant (additive) | New artificial intraocular lens |
| Invasiveness | Minimal (Outside the eye) | Minimal (Inside the cornea) | High (Inside the eyeball) |
| Your Natural Lens | Remains intact | Remains intact | Permanently removed |
| Reversibility | Laser permanently reshapes the cornea | Full (can be removed) | Irreversible |
| Cataract Issue | Does not protect against future cataracts | Does not protect against cataracts | J&J Odyssey, enVista Envy, PanOptix Pro |
| Cataract Protection | Yes | Yes (Lifelong) | Eliminates the risk of cataracts forever |
| Procedure Availability | Warsaw / Krakow (SwissLaser) | Vienna / Zurich (Dr Derhartunian) | Warsaw / Krakow (SwissLaser) |
Am I a Candidate?
SwissLaser Traffic Light System
Green Light
(Ideal Candidates)
Individuals aged 40-55 with presbyopia and a distance vision defect (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) who want to avoid intraocular surgery and preserve their natural lens.
Yellow Light
(Consultation Required):
Patients with very thin corneas or advanced dry eye syndrome.
Red Light
(Not Qualified – but alternatives exist):
Advanced cataracts (in which case RLE is immediately recommended), glaucoma, active corneal inflammation.
Safety and Return to Work
We understand that your time is your most valuable currency. Our process has been optimized for maximum precision and minimal stress.
- Swiss Qualification (Warsaw/Krakow):We use MS39 diagnostics and AI-based systems to map your cornea and simulate post-procedure vision. Dr. Derhartunian personally analyzes whether PresbyMAX will meet your business expectations.
- Day of Procedure (10 minutes):The procedure is painless. Swiss medical protocols and the Schwind AMARIS 1050RS laser ensure peace of mind. You rest for a few minutes and return home.
- Recovery and L4:We understand your obligations. We issue sick leave (L4) for 3-5 days. Although the full neuroadaptation process of the brain to the multifocal profile takes several weeks, most patients are able to read small print without glasses within 48 hours.
- Santander Consumer Bank Financing:Regaining youthful vision is an investment in your image. We offer transparent installment financing (MediRaty). The credit decision is made in 15 minutes at the clinic – without unnecessary formalities, respecting your time.
How the PresbyMAX Procedure Works – Step by Step
- Qualification examination: full diagnostics with multifocal vision simulation.
- Day of procedure: topical anesthesia; AMARIS laser with 7D eye-tracker creates a gentle multifocal profile on the cornea – both eyes in approx. 15 minutes.
- After the procedure: control the next day; the brain begins the neuroadaptation process.
Recovery and Neuroadaptation
- 1–2 days: return to most daily activities.
- Week 2–12 – acclimatization: the brain needs to get used to the new vision – this takes time and is completely normal. Vision improves gradually, day by day.
- Month 3–6 – full adaptation: neuroadaptation is complete. If necessary, precise fine-tuning is performed at this stage.
Think of hypertension therapy: we start with one tablet, measure blood pressure again – and adjust the dose until the result is correct. It’s the same with presbyopia correction: we correct, the brain gets used to the new vision, and if necessary – we fine-tune. Recorrection is not a failure, but an element of precise treatment. With us, it is included in post-operative care (warranty).
Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS
Safety and Possible Side Effects – Honestly
PresbyMAX requires the brain to adapt to a multifocal profile – some patients may experience nocturnal light effects or reduced contrast during the transitional period, which usually subside with neuroadaptation. The key is thorough qualification and honest expectation management – which is why we discuss in detail what to expect before the procedure. Recorrection (additional laser correction) is possible under warranty.
Expert Commentary
“About 1,000 of my patients live without reading glasses today thanks to PresbyMAX. The most important thing is qualification: a well-chosen patient gains freedom for years, which is why I never qualify ‘by force’.”
Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – refractive surgeon, approx. 1,000 PresbyMAX patients
Most Frequent Patient Questions
Does the PresbyMAX procedure hurt?
No. We apply strong anesthetic drops before the procedure. You may only feel a very gentle pressure for a few seconds. The entire procedure is stress-free and comfortable.
Will I get L4 sick leave after the PresbyMAX procedure?
Yes. We respect your healing process. We issue sick leave (L4) for the recovery period (usually 3 to 5 days), which allows your eyes to rest from computer screens.
How much does PresbyMAX cost at SwissLaser?
The price of the procedure is fully transparent and includes a package of follow-up visits and Swiss medical care. The cost can be conveniently spread into tailored installments through Santander Consumer Bank.
Does the NFZ (National Health Fund) reimburse this procedure?
No. Laser presbyopia correction (PresbyMAX) is an innovative luxury medicine procedure, performed in Poland exclusively privately.
When will I be able to drive again?
Usually, it is possible and safe after 48-72 hours from the procedure, but the final decision is always made by the doctor during the follow-up visit the next day.
Is the PresbyMAX effect permanent?
Corneal laser reshaping is permanent. However, it should be remembered that over the years, the lens inside the eye continues to age naturally. For the vast majority of patients, the effect of independence from glasses successfully lasts for many years.
Is PresbyMAX better than lens exchange (RLE)?
Both methods are excellent but have different applications. For younger patients (approx. 40-55 years old) with a healthy natural lens, PresbyMAX is often preferred because it is less invasive. After the age of 55 (or when cataracts appear), RLE with Premium lenses becomes a better choice. Dr. Victor will help make the optimal decision.
Can I have both eyes operated on at once?
Yes. This is a global standard. We operate on both eyes during one 10-minute session so that your brain immediately begins the adaptation process to new, multifocal vision.
What if I also have astigmatism in addition to presbyopia?
That’s no problem. The Schwind AMARIS 1050RS laser corrects astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia (PresbyMAX) in a fraction of a second, during one integrated laser pulse.
Will I see Halos (glows around lights) after the procedure?
Due to the multifocal profile sculpted on the cornea, in the first few weeks, you may notice delicate halos around lights at night. Thanks to neuroadaptation, your brain gradually learns to filter and ignore them over time.
Where can I park at the clinics in Warsaw and Krakow?
Our technology center in Warsaw (ul. Kolejowa 1, Wola) and clinic in Krakow (ul. Kluczborska 17, Krowodrza) have dedicated, convenient parking spaces for our patients.
Does Dr. Victor Derhartunian perform the procedure himself?
Yes. The medical director of SwissLaser, Dr. Victor Derhartunian (operating in Zurich, Vienna, and Poland), personally analyzes qualification results and performs PresbyMAX procedures.
Do I need to take time off work for the procedure?
There is no such necessity. We issue full L4 sick leave.
Does Santander require complicated income certificates?
The procedure (MediRaty) is maximally simplified, and respecting your time, often only an ID card and a verbal declaration of income are sufficient for a credit decision.
Will I still need computer glasses after the procedure?
The goal of the PresbyMAX method is to achieve complete independence from glasses in the vast majority of daily situations (working on a PC, smartphone, driving). In very specific lighting conditions or during many hours of reading microscopic print, some patients occasionally use light glasses, but for 95% of daily tasks, glasses become unnecessary.
Related topics
- presbyopia – all correction methods at SwissLaser
- Allotex TransForm™ – reversible, biological alternative
- presbyopia correction price list
- Qualification for Laser Eye Correction – criteria, contraindications, examination
Content fact-checked by Dr. med. univ. (Vienna) Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – specialist in refractive surgery. Last verification: October 2, 2026.
For the curious: PresbyMAX is laser presbyopia correction (ICD-10 H52.4) using the bi-aspheric multifocal ablation method with the SCHWIND AMARIS excimer laser: the center of the cornea is shaped for near vision, the periphery for distance – in a hybrid variant (both eyes, with slight asymmetry) or monocular (near profile only in the non-dominant eye). The procedure is performed as FemtoLASIK (with flap), TransPRK (surface) only exceptionally; the correction is recorded in the ablation profile and can be modified if necessary.
Sources
- Uthoff D, Pölzl M, Hepper D, Holland D. A new method of cornea modulation with excimer laser for simultaneous correction of presbyopia and ametropia. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2012;250(11):1649–1661. doi:10.1007/s00417-012-1948-1
- Luger MHA, Ewering T, Arba-Mosquera S. One-year experience in presbyopia correction with biaspheric multifocal central presbyopia laser in situ keratomileusis. Cornea 2013;32(5):644–652. doi:10.1097/ICO.0b013e31825f02f5
- Wolffsohn JS, Davies LN. Presbyopia: effectiveness of correction strategies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019;68:124–143. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.09.004
