Other surgeries (Implant, glaucoma, strabismus, eye lids...)

The described surgical techniques are recognized and approved by different scientifical societies; the general content of this website is approved and recommended by the BSCRS (Belgian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery).
The content and the general description of different surgical techniques, is the result of a common work from different eye specialists, and can also be found in different brochures, edited by the BSCRS.

Implant surgery: a special lens can be inserted in the eye to correct high refractive error, like high myopia, or more recently, high hyperopia. The concept of implanting another lens in the eye, without removing the crystalline lens, is not new and dates back from nearly 40 years. At that time, the materials used were not of the same quality as the ones we are using now, and despite this fact, the lens was well-tolerated. With the quality of the new optics, it is now possible to realize a very thin lens to be implanted in the posterior chamber of the eye (behind the iris) or in the anterior chamber (in front of the iris). Some lenses do really float behind the iris, or are fixated by small loops; other lenses will be attached to the iris by little claws. The surgeon will counsel his/her patient for the best lens in his/her case.
This surgery happens in the operating room, under topical of general anesthaesia, depending on the case. A careful eye examination will be conducted before the surgery, to check the dephth of the anterior chamber of the eye, the corneal curvature, the retina, etc.

The major risks and complications of the surgery are: infection, glaucoma, retinal detachment, halos at night, over- and undercorrection. These complications are very rare. Moreover, with the new lenses, the risk of having a sight-threatening complication is very low, and the power of the lens can be calculated very accurately in most cases to avoid any refractive surprise.

This surgery is not reimbursed by the I.N.A.M.I. in Belgium, but some private insurance will consider it like any other surgeries.

Radial and astigmatic keratotomy: a very effective and popular technique in the past, radial keratotomy is mainly used nowadays to correct low refractive error, or to enhance previous cataract surgery or another refractive surgery with low residual myopia or astigmatism. Small incisions are performed under local anesthesia on the cornea, to obtain the desired effect of corneal flattening.

Glaucoma surgery : can be done with the laser, when the eye drops are not effective; or under topical anaesthesia, using conventional surgical techniques.

Retinal surgery : once again, retinal holes, or dehiscences of the retina will be treated by the laser; but in case of a retinal detachment, classical techniques must be used by a specialized surgeon, to restore the best possible visual acuity.

Strabismus surgery : to correct strabismus, or non-fixating eye related problems in a child. Some strabismus surgeries happen to the adult only for cosmetic surgeries.

Eye lids surgery : to be done when the lids are turning inside or outside their usual margin, irritating the eye with the lashes, or causing a dry eye symptom. Another problem is blepharochalasis, which means that the skin of the upper eye lids is too "heavy" and too loose; it can be cured by a small operation.