Cataract surgery
Preparation
In consultation with Dr De Brauwer, you decide to undergo eye surgery to treat cataracts. The operation is performed under drop anesthesia at the ONE-DAY CLINIC (Clinique de la Basilique CHIREC), Pangaertstraat 45-47, 1083 Ganshoren.
The aim of the operation is to restore vision by removing the cloudy lens (cataract) and implanting an artificial lens.
From the day before the operation, administer the prescribed eye drops 4 times a day. You can usually continue with any other eye drops you are already using in consultation with Dr De Brauwer. After the treatment you can go home, but it is not wise to go alone. Therefore, make sure that someone accompanies you and takes you home.
To instill correctly, I refer you to the website
Intake
On the day of the operation, your skin should be clean and you should not apply make-up. Also no nail polish, because during the operation the oxygen level in your blood is measured via the finger. Please wear comfortable and clean clothes that day.
You report to the ONE-DAY CLINIC at the agreed time. A nurse will inform you about the procedure and will immediately drip the eye to be operated on and place an IV (baxter) after you arrive at the department. The drops have an anesthetic and pupil-dilating effect. The infusion is used by the anesthetist to administer medication.
Operation
The operation takes place under drop anesthesia. During the operation your head is covered with a sterile sheet. The lens is removed using the phacoemulsification technique. The doctor uses a device that vibrates and pulverizes the lens. The ophthalmologist makes a small incision in the eye, at the edge of the cornea. The doctor inserts a thin probe at that location. The device crushes the lens and then the pieces are sucked away. The artificial lens is then placed at the location of the natural lens.
The operation takes approximately 30 minutes. The entire recording time is 60 to 90 minutes.
After the operation
You can usually go home shortly after the operation. You will receive a number of advice and information from Dr De Brauwer, as well as a schedule for drips in your eye. You will be given an eye mask to protect your eye at night. On the day after the operation, remove the eye mask in the morning. That day you will come to the Ophthalmology outpatient clinic at the agreed time for a check-up with the ophthalmologist.
Aftercare
The first week after the operation you should apply drops to the operated eye 4 times a day and then for a few more weeks with decreasing frequency. If you are unable to do this yourself, make sure there is someone who can administer the drops to you (family or neighbors). Home care can be called in if necessary.
To instill correctly, I refer you to the website
On average, 95 percent of operated patients' vision improves after cataract surgery. Complications are rare.
Cost
About two months after the procedure, the day hospital will send an invoice with the details of the cost structure: the accommodation costs of the day surgery, the medication and disposable materials used, the implant lens (which is partly reimbursed by the RIIV), various costs. For each amount it is stated what is borne by the RIZIV and what is borne by the patient. The total cost for each patient in our country is approximately 350 euros. If you have hospitalization insurance, it will probably cover this amount. View your policy in advance and discuss it with Dr De Brauwer or the nurse.
DOWNLOAD brochure CATARACTpdf
Do you have any questions? Send an email or call every Tuesday between 2 and 3 p.m. on 02/449.05.49
