A small drainage “pocket” will be made in the eye, enabling the liquid in the anterior chamber to escape. This reduces the intraocular pressure (i.e., the pressure inside the eye). This will not improve your sight or repair any existing faults in your visual field, but it will stop your visual field and/or your sight from worsening.
Post operative check-ups
These appointments will take place at Dr J. C. Vryghem's practice or in the Ophthalmology Department at the Clinique St-Jean (level 2), 104 Rue du Marais, 1000 Brussels, depending on his schedule. In some cases, the check-ups will take place with the ophthalmologist who referred you to Dr Vryghem.
CHECK-UP 1st DAY:
CHECK-UP 3rd DAY:
CHECK-UP 10th DAY:
CHECK-UP 3rd WEEK:
CHECK-UP 6th WEEK:
CHECK-UP 6th MONTH:
A minimum of one week before the preoperative examination:
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Your GP will be contacted to check that there is nothing to contraindicate an operation under local anaesthetic. An electrocardiogram and routine blood test will be carried out if you this has not already been done in the last six months.
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Go and pick up your prescribed medication: Tobrex eye drops (see below), Tobradex eye drops (anti-inflammatory) and 1% atropine collyrium drops (for pupil dilation).
Three days before the operation:
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1 drop of Tobrex in the eye to be treated 3 times a day.
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Stop taking anticoagulants or start taking replacement medication. (You must first consult your doctor to check that it is safe to do so).
The day before the operation:
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Call +32 (0)2/221.99.95 to check the time of your operation.
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Contact the driver who is to take you there.
The day of the operation:
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Do not wear any mascara or make-up.
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In the morning, you may take all your medication as usual, except for the anticoagulants.
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If your operation is in the morning, you must not have anything to eat. However, if your operation is in the afternoon, you may have a light lunch.
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1 hour before the operation: every 15 minutes, put 1 drop of Isoptocarpine in the eye to be treated.
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You should bring the following with you to the Clinique St-Jean: Tobradex drops (do not open them) and the 1% atropine drops.
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The operation (including the preparation) will last approximately 2 hours. If it has taken longer than expected to treat the patients before you, you will also have to allow for waiting time
During the operation:
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You will be anaesthetised by means of 3 drops in the eye just before the operation.
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The ophthalmologist will take the time to explain everything to you, so there will be no surprises.
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Your eye will be held open by a retractor. This is done to stop you from blinking.
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It will not hurt.
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The operation will last between 20 minutes and 1 hour.
After the operation:
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You do not need to cover your eye with a dressing after the operation.
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The transparent protective cover must be worn every night for one week after the operation.
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From the day after the operation, you will have to use the eye drops according to the instructions set out below:
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Tobradex eye drops (anti-inflammatory):
1 drop 4 times a day for approx. 12 weeks
1% atropine collyrium:
1 drop 2 times a day for approx. 2 weeks
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Atropine and Tobradex should be used 5 minutes apart.
It is very important that you use the drops in the right way.
Do not touch your eyeball. Pull your lower eyelid down, but look upwards. Apply the drop and then close your eye.
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Your vision will be very blurry at first, but it will clear after two weeks.
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If you experience a lot of pain or are worried for any reason, contact your ophthalmologist.
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Do not plan any important events or sporting activities for the days immediately following the operation.
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For the first three weeks, do not rub your eyes!!!
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For the first three weeks, do not swim.
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For the first two weeks, do not use any make-up.
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Avoid any dusty environments!
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You must not forget about your check-ups with the ophthalmologist on the 1st, 3rd and 10th day following the operation. You will also have check-ups 3 and 6 weeks later, as well as 6 months later. The final result will be evaluated after approximately 3 months.