SmartSight Nova in Warsaw and Krakow: Why Centration Precision is Crucial for Your Vision?
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
SmartSight Nova represents the technological pinnacle of flapless vision correction (lenticule extraction) performed with the Schwind Atos femtosecond laser. The key to this method’s success is an integrated process: from diagnosis with the MS-39 tomograph (2nd generation), through automatic iris recognition (Iris Registration), to the unique Centrax software. This software allows for precise centration of the procedure relative to the patient’s visual axis after the eye has been immobilized (vacuum application). This approach prioritizes mathematical accuracy over laser speed alone, resulting in better night vision quality and minimized side effects.
Premium Technology: The Digital Process at Swisslaser
In refractive surgery, precision is not a matter of chance, but the result of excellent device integration. SmartSight Nova at Swisslaser is not just about laser operation – it’s an entire medical ecosystem.
“Digital Handshake”: MS-39 Diagnosis (2nd Generation)
Every procedure begins with an ultra-precise examination using the MS-39 tomograph.
- Precision:The device creates a corneal map with micron resolution, combining topography with OCT technology.
- Safety Signal:Data is automatically exported to the Schwind Atos laser. This eliminates the need for manual parameter entry by staff, completely ruling out the risk of error when transcribing diopter values or astigmatism axis.
Iris Registration – Your Biometric Key
As you lie under the laser, the system takes a picture of your eye and compares it with the iris pattern from the qualification examination. This iris registration allows the laser to recognize your eye and automatically compensate for its rotation in the supine position (known as cyclotorsion). This is critical for ideal astigmatism correction.
Centration Leader: Why Centrax Changes Everything
Most patients ask about laser speed. However, in modern ophthalmology, centration is the key factor determining vision quality.
The Problem with Traditional Methods (e.g., older SMILE):
In these procedures, the surgeon must center the laser before the device touches the eye. However, at the moment the laser is suctioned to the cornea (vacuum application), the eye may shift minimally (known as de-centration).
SmartSight Nova Innovation (Centrax):
The Schwind Atos laser allows the surgeon to make a final, digital centration correction after the eye has been immobilized.
- The eye is already securely immobilized by vacuum.
- The Centrax software displays the patient’s ideal visual axis.
- The surgeon positions the treatment profile precisely at this point.
Why is this important?
Even a millimeter shift can cause night glare (halos), blurred vision (ghosting), or reduced contrast. SmartSight Nova minimizes these risks through mathematical accuracy.
Method Comparison: Facts for Your Decision
| Feature / Method | SMILE (Older) | SMILE Pro | CLEAR | SmartSight NOVA |
| Laser Platform | VisuMax 500 | VisuMax 800 | FEMTO Z8 | Schwind Atos (Nova) |
| Diagnostic Integration | None / Manual | Average | Average | Full (MS-39) |
| Centration Moment | Before vacuum | Before vacuum | Before vacuum | AFTER vacuum application |
| Iris Registration | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (Fully automatic) |
| Method Philosophy | Proven | Speed | Flexibility | Maximum Precision |
| Surface Smoothness | Standard | High | High | Ultra-smooth (Low Energy) |
Am I a Candidate?
SwissLaser Traffic Light System
Green Light
(Ideal Candidates)
Myopia up to -10D, astigmatism up to 5D. You are professionally active, drive at night, and want maximum protection against dry eye syndrome.
Yellow Light
(Consultation Required):
Very thin cornea or strong predisposition to dry eyes. We will use MS-39 diagnostics to check if Nova is safer for you than other methods.
Red Light
(Not Qualified – but alternatives exist):
Active keratoconus, advanced glaucoma, cataracts. In such cases, Swisslaser will propose an alternative (e.g., ICL phakic lenses).
Trust Built on Facts
Patients in Poland – especially in dynamic centers like Warsaw or Krakow – are looking for solutions that allow them to return quickly to office work and sports, without worrying about the stability of the results.
Dr. Victor Derhartunian (FEBO, FWCRS) explains:
“In my clinics in Warsaw and Krakow, I observe that patients value technological sovereignty. I chose the Schwind Atos system and SmartSight Nova because it gives me, as a surgeon, control that is lacking in other systems. We are not competing to make the procedure 3 seconds shorter. We are competing to ensure the laser hits the ideal optical point. The fact that we can correct centration after eye immobilization relieves pressure on the patient and gives me mathematical certainty of success.”
FAQ – All About Technological Differences
How much does SmartSight Nova cost?
SmartSight Nova: PLN 15,000 for both eyes (PLN 7,900 for one eye). For comparison: classic SmartSight costs PLN 13,600 – the PLN 1,400 difference covers the fully digital Nova process: MS-39 tomography (2nd generation), automatic iris registration and CenTrax® centration precisely on the visual axis, which translates into better night vision.
- up to 5 years’ guarantee on the correction result
- first post-operative check-up included in the package
- instalment payment available (Santander Consumer Bank)
- qualification examination: PLN 400
See the full laser vision correction price list
The SmartSight Nova procedure – step by step
- Qualification examination (approx. 90 minutes): full diagnostics with MS-39 tomography, a consultation with the doctor and selection of the method. The procedure does not take place on the same day as the examination.
- Day of the procedure: anaesthetic eye drops, fixation of the eye and automatic CenTrax® centration on the visual axis – the SCHWIND ATOS laser creates the lenticule in well under a minute.
- Lenticule removal: the surgeon removes the micro-lens through a minimal incision (no corneal flap); both eyes are operated on the same day.
- After the procedure: around 30–60 minutes’ rest at the clinic, then home with an accompanying person; the first check-up takes place the next day.
Recovery day by day
- The first hours: watering eyes, a foreign-body sensation and sensitivity to light may occur – these are normal symptoms that subside quickly.
- 24–48 hours: most patients return to work, including screen work.
- The first week: avoid rubbing your eyes, the swimming pool and the sauna; light exercise is usually possible after a few days – as advised by your doctor.
- The first weeks: visual acuity stabilises gradually; check-ups follow an individual schedule.
Safety and possible side effects – honestly
No surgical procedure is entirely free of risk, and every patient has the right to know the risks before deciding. After lenticule extraction, the following may occur temporarily: dry eye, fluctuations in visual acuity and light effects at night (halos) – in the Nova method these are reduced by precise centration on the visual axis and the “Low Energy” concept. Serious complications are rare; the flap-free method eliminates the risks associated with a corneal flap (displacement or injury), and we discuss a detailed, individual risk assessment with you during the qualification examination. If needed, a laser enhancement is possible under the guarantee.
Expert comment
“I have performed around 1 800 SmartSight Nova procedures and more than 6 000 lenticule extractions in total. The biggest difference I see in Nova patients is the quality of their night vision – because the laser works precisely on the visual axis, not on the centre of the pupil. That is exactly why, as a SCHWIND reference centre, we train surgeons from all over the world in this method.”
Dr Victor Derhartunian, MD, FEBO, FWCRS – refractive surgeon, more than 25 000 laser procedures
Is the Atos slower than SMILE Pro?
The laser beam itself works for around 5-8 seconds longer with the Atos. This difference is medically insignificant, whereas the gain in centration precision (the CenTrax system) is crucial for quality of vision.
Why is Nova better for night vision?
Thanks to precise centring on the visual axis and the “Low Energy” concept (low pulse energy), the cornea is smoother after the procedure, which dramatically reduces light scatter after dark.
What is the "digital handshake"?
It is our safety standard: data flows directly from the diagnostic device to the laser. This rules out human error when entering the parameters of your visual defect.
How quickly can I return to office work?
Most patients in Warsaw and Krakow return to screen-based work just 24-48 hours after the procedure.
Is the Nova method painful?
No. Thanks to local anaesthetic drops and the very low laser energy, the procedure is painless and highly comfortable.
Do not leave your vision to chance.
Experience the confidence that Swiss precision and the advanced centration technology in Poland provide. Schedule a comprehensive MS-39 tomograph diagnostic at Swisslaser and find out if SmartSight Nova is your path to a life without limitations.
Watch: CenTrax® centration in practice
World premiere: we were the first clinic worldwide to perform the SmartSight Nova procedure (early 2025). In this video, Dr Victor Derhartunian shows how the CenTrax® system achieves optimal centration in laser eye surgery:
