Keratoconus Treatment in Zurich: Advanced Cross-Linking Presented at DGII 2026
At the 40th Annual Congress of the Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für Intraokularlinsen-Implantation, interventionelle und refraktive Chirurgie (DGII) in Cologne, Prof. Farhad Hafezi (Zurich, Switzerland) presented new developments in keratoconus treatment, focusing on how modern corneal cross-linking can not only stop progression but also improve vision.
Prof. Hafezi serves as ELZA’s Chief Medical Officer, and we are a global excellence center in keratoconus, advanced corneal cross-linking, and therapeutic laser refractive surgery. In the DGII scientific programme (Friday, 27 February 2026, Room N), within the 9th Scientific Session – Keratoconus, he presented:
“ELZA-PACE: Cross-Linking to Improve Vision in Keratoconus”
Friday, 27 February 2026 (DGII 2026), 16:15
For many patients, the primary concern is not only halting keratoconus progression, but also whether vision can improve. Traditional corneal cross-linking was designed to stabilize the cornea. Newer, customized approaches aim to reshape and regularize the cornea more precisely.
ELZA-PACE is an individualized form of corneal cross-linking. Instead of applying treatment uniformly, the procedure is guided by the shape and thickness of the cornea. This allows targeted strengthening in the steepest area of the cone while preserving surrounding tissue.
The goal is twofold:
- Stop keratoconus progression
- Improve corneal regularity and visual quality
At DGII 2026, the discussion focused on how advanced cross-linking strategies may reduce the need for more invasive procedures in selected patients and how treatment can be tailored to individual corneal anatomy.
For patients searching for keratoconus treatment in Zurich, developments like these reflect the shift toward personalized corneal therapy.
What Is DGII?
The DGII is a German-speaking scientific society dedicated to cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and anterior segment innovation. Founded more than 40 years ago, it holds an annual congress that brings together ophthalmic surgeons and researchers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and neighboring countries. The meeting features scientific presentations, innovation sessions, and practical surgical courses, with a strong focus on clinical outcomes, new technologies, and evidence-based surgical strategies.
