Trans-PRK SmartSurface — Quick Answers
- How much does Trans-PRK SmartSurface cost? The Trans-PRK SmartSurface procedure costs 10,000 PLN for both eyes, which is 5,500 PLN per eye. The variant with a Wavefront profile is 12,800 PLN for both eyes.
- Does Trans-PRK SmartSurface hurt? There is no pain during the procedure itself, as anesthetic drops are used.
- How many days of sick leave will I get after Trans-PRK? Standard sick leave (L4) is issued for 5 to 7 days.
- When will my vision be sharp enough to drive and work after Trans-PRK? Functional vision, allowing for driving and working, is achieved after approximately 7-10 days.
- For whom is Trans-PRK SmartSurface particularly recommended? It is an ideal choice for martial arts athletes and individuals with thin corneas.
Trans-PRK SmartSurface: 100% Touchless Correction. Armored Stability and Swiss Precision.
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Trans-PRK SmartSurface is the most advanced surface correction method, where no instrument touches your eye. The procedure is performed in one step using only cold laser light. Thanks to integration with the MS39 tomograph (epithelial thickness mapping) and the Cyclorotation system, this method combines absolute precision with maximum biomechanical corneal strength. It is an ideal choice for athletes (martial arts) and individuals with thin corneas. We issue L4 for 5-7 days, and you can finance the procedure through Santander Bank (MediRaty).
Why Trans-PRK is completely touchless
Not every patient qualifies for deep methods (Femto-LASIK). If the cornea is too thin or the patient’s lifestyle involves a risk of severe eye injuries, SwissLaser recommends Trans-PRK SmartSurface.
To minimize discomfort and maximize precision, we have combined this method with the most powerful diagnostic equipment in the world:
- Epithelial Mapping (MS39 Tomography):Ordinary clinics assume that the epithelium (the outer layer of the eye) is 50 micrometers thick for everyone. We don’t assume that – we measure it. The MS39 creates a digital map of your epithelial thickness. This allows the laser to remove only what is necessary, which reduces pain and speeds up healing.
- Cyclorotation and 7D Eye-Tracker:When you lie under the laser, your eye makes micro-movements and naturally rotates. Our laser (Schwind Amaris) tracks eye movements in as many as 7 dimensions (including cyclorotation) at a speed of 1000 times per second. This also allows for the correction of complex astigmatism.
- SmartSurface Profile:Instead of a rough surface (known from old methods), the laser smooths the cornea with three-dimensional precision, creating an ideal base for the regenerating epithelium.
Comparison of Surface Methods
See why the SmartSurface profile differs from older surface methods:
| Feature | Old Methods (LASEK / PRK) | Trans-PRK SmartSurface (SwissLaser) |
| Epithelial removal | Alcohol, spatula or rotating brush | Only cold Laser light (100% No-Touch) |
| Precision (MS39) | No epithelial measurement (universal value) | Digital epithelial map with MS39 |
| Astigmatism Treatment | Susceptible to eye micro-movements | Very good (cyclorotation + 7D eye-tracking) |
| Surface after procedure | Rough (very painful healing) | Very low |
| Eye stability | Very high | Maximum (Resistance to the most severe injuries) |
| Cataract protection | Yes | Yes (Lifetime) |
Pain, Healing, and Sick Leave
We are completely honest with you – this is a procedure for informed individuals. Trans-PRK does not provide a “wow” effect in 24 hours. The epithelium needs to regenerate, which takes about 3-4 days. During this time, you may experience tearing, light sensitivity, and burning (a “sandy” sensation under the eyelids).
How do we manage your comfort at SwissLaser?
Support:Dr. Victor Derhartunian and our medical team oversee every stage of your healing.focal) or classic monofocal lenses.
Swiss Pain Protocol:Immediately after the procedure, we apply a soothing contact lens (bandage lens). You receive a precise schedule for administering anesthetic drops to minimize discomfort.
Sick Leave:We issue L4 for 5 to 7 days. You don’t lose vacation days. You stay at home, listen to podcasts with your eyes closed, and let biology do its work.
Procedure Cost and Installment Payments
The costs of living with a vision defect are not just about discomfort. 10 years of wearing contact lenses, buying solutions, and visiting an optician amounts to an expense of around 20,000 PLN.
The Trans-PRK SmartSurface procedure is a one-time investment. Thanks to installment procedures at Santander Consumer Bank (MediRaty), we handle the formalities on-site, and you can convert the cost of the procedure into a low monthly installment, gaining Swiss quality without impacting your budget.
How much does Trans-PRK SmartSurface cost?
Trans-PRK SmartSurface: 10,000 PLN for both eyes (5,500 PLN per eye). Wavefront variant: 12,800 PLN for both eyes.
- up to 5 years warranty on correction effect
- 2 check-ups in the first month included in the package
- installment payment option (Santander Consumer Bank)
- qualification examination: 400 PLN
How the Trans-PRK Procedure Works – Step by Step
- Qualification examination (approx. 90 minutes): cornea diagnostics and method selection.
- Day of procedure: the only completely touchless method – excimer laser removes the epithelium and corrects the defect in one step, without mechanical instruments.
- Protection: soft bandage contact lens for epithelial healing.
- After the procedure: return home with a companion; check-ups included in the package.
Recovery Day by Day
- Days 1–3: epithelial regeneration – possible discomfort, alleviated with drops.
- Days 5–7: return to normal functioning.
- First month: significant improvement in vision; 2 check-ups included in the package.
- 3–4 months: full, stabilized effect.
Safety and Possible Side Effects – Honestly
Surface methods do not create a corneal flap – thus eliminating associated risks and are safe even for physically active individuals. Honestly, however: the first 2–3 days after the procedure can be painful (epithelial healing), and some patients temporarily experience vision haze or dry eye. Full sharpness stabilizes within 3–4 months. We discuss individual risks during the qualification examination.
Expert Commentary
“I particularly recommend Trans-PRK for thinner corneas and active individuals – no touch and no flap means zero risk of displacement. It requires patience during healing, but the final result is as precise as with deep methods.”
Dr. med. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – refractive surgeon, over 25,000 laser procedures
New for 2026 – EASE. A second flapless surface method, but performed entirely with the SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser, without UV light: the laser cuts a lenticule through the intact epithelium, which the surgeon removes in one piece. Available in Krakow as part of a prospective clinical study. Comparison of both methods and criteria: EASE – flapless and UV-free laser vision correction.
Most Frequent Patient Questions
Does the Trans-PRK SmartSurface procedure itself hurt?
There is no pain during the procedure itself — we use anesthetic drops. For the first two to three days, until the epithelium rebuilds, a sandy sensation under the eyelids and tearing are normal; we alleviate them with drops and painkillers. The procedure is touchless (you only look at the light). Discomfort and tearing appear only 1-2 hours after the procedure, when the anesthesia wears off, and last for the first few days of healing.
How many days of sick leave (L4) will I receive?
We typically issue sick leave (L4) for 5 to 7 days. This is the time necessary for epithelial regeneration and a safe return to work at a computer.
What is MS39 and why is it crucial in Trans-PRK?
MS39 is a new-generation corneal tomograph. It allows us to precisely measure the thickness of your epithelium. Thanks to this, the laser does not remove a “standard” amount of tissue, but exactly as much as you have. This reduces pain and speeds up healing.
How does cyclorotation work in the surface method?
When you change position from vertical to horizontal, your eye performs a microscopic rotation. Our 7D system recognizes this rotation and aligns the laser beam perfectly with the axis of your astigmatism.
Does the NFZ (National Health Fund) reimburse Trans-PRK?
No. Modern, touchless laser correction is a procedure performed in Poland exclusively in the private system.
How do Santander installments (MediRaty) work?
You can spread the cost of the procedure into convenient installments (we also offer 0% installments during selected periods). We fill out the application together at the clinic. You usually receive a decision from the bank within 15 minutes.
Why do athletes (martial arts) choose this method?
Because in Trans-PRK, we do not cut the cornea and do not create a flap. Thanks to this, even with an extreme impact to the eye (e.g., in boxing), there is no risk of mechanical damage to the surgical profile. The eye cannot be “damaged.”
Can I use steroids after the procedure?
Yes, it’s part of the protocol! Your doctor will prescribe special steroid drops that should be used for several weeks to prevent scarring (known as haze).
What is “Haze” and how do you prevent it?
Haze is corneal clouding after old PRK procedures. At SwissLaser, we avoid it thanks to the SmartSurface profile (perfectly smooth surface), the application of appropriate medications during the procedure, and mandatory UV protection (sunglasses outdoors for several months).
When will my vision be perfectly sharp?
Unlike Femto-LASIK, here sharpness increases gradually. Functional vision (allowing for driving and working) is achieved after approx. 7-10 days. The final, Swiss quality stabilizes over several weeks to months.
Can Wavefront HD profile be used with Trans-PRK technology?
Yes! If you care about maximum night vision, we can combine the Trans-PRK method with an individual Wavefront HD aberrometric profile.
Does Dr. Victor Derhartunian personally qualify and operate?
Yes, Dr. Derhartunian (FEBO, FWCRS) personally interprets MS39 scans, programs the SmartSurface profile, and supervises the procedure.
How “thin” can my cornea be for this procedure?
Because Trans-PRK conserves tissue, we often qualify patients who were denied Femto-LASIK due to a too-thin cornea. The final decision is made after analysis with the MS39 tomograph.
What if I look in the wrong direction during the laser operation?
The 7D Eye-Tracker system monitors your eye at incredible speed. If you move your eye, the laser immediately and safely stops working and resumes when you look correctly again.
Do I need to fast on the day of the procedure?
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia (drops). You can eat a light meal and drink water before your visit.
Content fact-checked by Dr. med. univ. (Vienna) Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS – specialist in refractive surgery. Last verified: October 2, 2026.
Trans-PRK SmartSurface in practice
The procedure, without touching the eye and without a corneal flap, takes several tens of seconds. Below, Dr. Victor Derhartunian shows how it works and for whom this method is a better choice than FemtoLASIK.
For the curious: Trans-PRK (transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy) is a one-step surface method: the SCHWIND AMARIS excimer laser removes the epithelium and models the stroma in a single ablation profile, without touch, without alcohol, and without a flap. The epithelium regenerates in 3–5 days under a bandage contact lens. ICD-10 indications: H52.0–H52.2; especially thin cornea, contact sports.
Sources
- Adib-Moghaddam S, Soleyman-Jahi S, Sanjari Moghaddam A et al. Efficacy and safety of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy. J Cataract Refract Surg 2018;44(10):1267–1279. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2018.07.021
- Shortt AJ, Allan BDS, Evans JR. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;1:CD005135. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005135.pub3
- Kim TI, Alió Del Barrio JL, Wilkins M, Cochener B, Ang M. Refractive surgery. Lancet 2019;393(10185):2085–2098. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)33209-4
- Chuck RS, Jacobs DS, Lee JK et al. Refractive Errors & Refractive Surgery Preferred Practice Pattern. Ophthalmology 2018;125(1):P1–P104. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.10.003
- SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions. SCHWIND ATOS and SCHWIND AMARIS – manufacturer’s documentation (CE). eye-tech-solutions.com
