Laser eye surgery: leave your glasses or contact lenses behind for good
Dr. Isabel Pinxten is the specialist in laser eye surgery in Flanders and uses the latest techniques and laser devices. Refractive laser surgery (LASEK / PRK, Femto-LASIK or Relex SMILE) gives short-sighted and/or astigmatic patients the chance to see sharply without glasses or contact lenses.
What is laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery - also known as refractive laser surgery - is a medical procedure in which the cornea of the eye is corrected with a precision laser. This eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. The treatment is painless, takes only a few minutes per eye and most patients see clearly the next day.
Which techniques are available for laser eye surgery?
Dr. Pinxten offers the three most modern laser eye techniques:
- Relex SMILE: the newest generation, minimally invasive and flapless. Ideal for athletes and contact lens wearers with dry eyes.
- Femto-LASIK: the fastest recovery technique: sharp vision the day after treatment.
- LASEK / PRK: surface technique, excellent for thin corneas or contact sports.
Which technique is most suitable for you is determined based on your refraction, corneal thickness, profession and lifestyle. This happens during the extensive pre-assessment.
What does laser eye surgery cost?
The price of laser eye surgery with Dr. Pinxten ranges from € 1,450 per eye for LASEK/PRK to € 2,050 per eye for Relex SMILE. Included are the screening, all postoperative check-ups for three months and any enhancement within 24 months. Most Belgian health insurers also provide a contribution of € 100 to € 150 per eye.
Am I suitable for laser eye surgery?
The main conditions for laser eye surgery are: minimum age 21, a stable prescription (at least 1 year), a sufficiently thick cornea and no active eye conditions. During a free screening, Dr. Pinxten assesses whether you are eligible. Would you like to know more? View the frequently asked questions about laser eye surgery or make an appointment at the practice in Knokke-Heist.
Why have your eyes lasered by Dr. Isabel Pinxten?
Laser treatment is a choice for life. With Dr. Isabel Pinxten you combine top surgery with the most modern technology and a personal approach: from the first pre-assessment all the way through your aftercare.
Latest technology
We work with the Zeiss VisuMax 800, the latest generation femtosecond laser for ReLEx SMILE Pro. The result: a shorter procedure (just seconds per eye), more precision and a smoother recovery.
Proven expertise
With many years of experience and more than 700 laser procedures and lens implants per year, Dr. Pinxten is one of Belgium's most experienced refractive surgeons. Experience you feel in every detail of your treatment.
Personal care
No assembly line. Dr. Pinxten takes time to listen, examine your eyes thoroughly and choose the technique that truly fits your life together with you.
Fast access
No long waiting lists. For an extensive pre-assessment you can usually be seen within the week — both in Knokke and for treatment in Ghent.
Safety first
Every candidate goes through a thorough pre-assessment with Pentacam, topography and retinal examination. Only when everything is 100% in order is the treatment scheduled.
Multiple techniques, one choice
ReLEx SMILE, Femto-LASIK, LASEK/PRK or lens exchange — Dr. Pinxten masters all techniques and chooses not one formula, but what is best for YOUR eyes.
The three laser eye techniques
Which technique fits best depends on your refraction, corneal thickness, profession and lifestyle. During the extensive pre-assessment Dr. Pinxten determines the optimal choice together with you.
Relex SMILE
Minimally invasive, flapless. Fast recovery and excellent for athletes and contact-lens wearers.
Femto-LASIK
Proven LASIK technique with a femtosecond-laser flap. Sharp vision as soon as the next day.
Advanced LASEK / PRK
Surface technique without a flap, ideal for thin corneas or contact sports.
Expertise of a leading laser eye centre
Dr. Pinxten has specialised in laser eye surgery for many years. Until 2019 she worked at the Eye Laser Centre of the University Hospital of Leuven. Today she is partner and board member of Laser Vision Clinics, Belgium's largest laser centre with sites in Ghent (Zwijnaarde) and Antwerp (Deurne). She generally performs laser operations in Ghent. Because most of the country's laser eye procedures take place there, the centre is able to continually invest in the most modern equipment.
The technology
The result of a laser eye procedure is the combination of expertise and technology. That is why the following equipment was acquired:
- Zeiss VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser: for LASIK & SMILE
- MEL 90 excimer laser: for LASIK & LASEK
- Pentacam HR: corneal topography and pachymetry
- Wavefront-guided where indicated for precise planning
Everything about laser eye surgery in detail
Eligibility criteria for refractive laser treatment.
Read moreCompare SMILE, LASIK and LASEK in detail.
Read morePentacam tomography, retinal check, visual field and all measurements upfront.
Read moreThe full process, from pre-assessment to aftercare.
Read moreDrop schedule, do's & don'ts and the recovery course.
Read moreTariffs per technique and health-insurance reimbursement.
Read moreAnswers on safety, pain, recovery and risks.
Read moreFree laser screening: online or by phone.
Read more