The complete journey of a laser eye treatment
Are you interested in a procedure to stop depending on glasses or contact lenses? Below you will find, step by step, the complete journey, from the first appointment to the postoperative check.
- 1. First consultation and free screening
During a first appointment in Knokke, your refraction and corneal thickness are measured, together with a general examination of your eye health. Based on this, we decide whether you are a candidate for laser treatment and which technique appears most suitable.
- 2. Extensive pre-assessment
Dr. Pinxten schedules a more extensive pre-assessment at the private practice. This includes an accurate refraction measurement, eye pressure measurement, retina and optic nerve check, a Pentacam scan of the cornea (topography and pachymetry), pupil and tear film analysis. The refraction is also checked using pupil-dilating drops. You will see more blurred for the rest of the day and need a driver to take you home. This examination determines the necessary correction with the greatest precision and detects any retinal abnormalities.
- 3. Discussion and choice of technique
Based on all measurements, Dr. Pinxten discusses with you the optimal technique (SMILE, Femto-LASIK or LASEK/PRK). Together you decide the final choice and a date is set. You also receive all preoperative instructions and medication.
- 4. The treatment
The procedure takes place at LaserVisionClinic Gent (Bollebergen 2b, 9052 Zwijnaarde), the largest and most modern laser centre in Belgium. The actual laser treatment takes only a few minutes per eye and is completely painless. You go home the same day with a companion, as you may not drive that day.
- 5. Postoperative check-ups
Check-ups are scheduled 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the treatment. All in Knokke and included in the price. A possible enhancement within 24 months is also included in the fee.
Preparing for the procedure
For a reliable corneal measurement and a safe result, contact lenses must be left out in time.
- Hard lenses
- 3 weeks
- Toric soft lenses
- 3 weeks
- Night lenses (ortho-K)
- 3 weeks
- Soft lenses
- 2 weeks
- • No make-up for the last 3 days before the procedure
- • Pick up the prescribed medication in good time
- • Day before the procedure: 3× Tobradex drops in both eyes
- • Stop contact lenses in good time (see schedule)
The day of the procedure
- • You do not need to fast. A normal breakfast is fine
- • Wear comfortable clothing, you do not need to change
- • Carefully clean eyelids and lashes in the morning (no make-up)
- • Arrange a driver to take you home after the procedure
- • Bring with you: prescribed drops, sunglasses, informed consent and declaration
The treatment takes place at LaserVisionClinic Gent, Bollebergen 2b, 9052 Zwijnaarde (Ghent). Expect to stay approximately 1.5 hours on the day of the procedure.