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Cheaper than in Paris ... with equivalent equipment. I took advantage of my expat status in Brussels (part of the budget was reimbursed by my insurance). Several colleagues had recommended this center to me. No regrets apart from that of not having done it earlier! I recommend in turn.
Thanks for taking us so quickly
Antwerp Hospital Network ZNA, located in Lindendreef, Antwerp, Belgium offers patients Cataract Surgery procedures among its total of 217 available procedures, across 23 different specialties. Currently, there's no pricing information for Cataract Surgery procedures at Antwerp Hospital Network ZNA, as all prices are available on request only. There is currently a lack of information available on the specialists practicing at the Hospital, and they are not accredited by any recognized accreditations institutes
Oculus, located in D Hondtstraat, Ypres, Belgium offers patients Cataract Surgery procedures among its total of 38 available procedures, across 2 different specialties. Currently, there's no pricing information for Cataract Surgery procedures at Oculus, as all prices are available on request only. All procedures and treatments are undertaken by just a small team of specialists, with 3 in total at the Clinic, and they are accredited by ISO 9001:2008
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Cataract surgery in Belgium is a common procedure carried out by highly experienced ophthalmologists. This outpatient operation is performed when the natural lens of the eye, which is usually transparent, develops a cataract. The cataract causes the lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurry or desaturated vision. Surgery is necessary when the cataract severely affects your daily activities or your ability to work.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens and if necessary, replaces it with an artificial clear lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Modern techniques mean that the entire procedure can typically be performed under local anaesthetic with patients experiencing little to no discomfort. Cataract surgeries in Belgium are renowned for their high standards of care and success.
The cost of cataract surgery in Belgium can vary, depending on several factors. These may include the technology used during the procedure, the type of IOL implanted, the specific diagnostic tests carried out preoperatively and the surgeon's expertise. However, cataract surgery is generally covered by most insurance plans under medically necessary procedures.
It is advised to consult with your healthcare provider or insurer for a precise cost estimate. Remember, an accurate cost estimate should cover all aspects of the procedure, from the consultation and diagnostic tests to the surgery itself and post-operative care.
The cataract surgery procedure typically involves a skilled ophthalmologist creating a small incision in the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. Tiny instruments are then used to break up the cloudy lens, which is then removed. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted to replace the natural lens.
The surgery generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia that numbs the eye, so the patient stays awake but feels no pain. The procedure can be carried out on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients can go home the same day after a short recovery period in the clinic.
If you're travelling to Belgium specifically for cataract surgery, it's advisable to plan for a stay of at least two to three days. This time allows for the pre-operative assessment, the day of the surgery, and a postoperative check-up before travelling home.
Staying a bit longer provides time for the eye to start healing and allows for a follow-up examination to ensure everything is well. It is always essential to discuss staying duration with your healthcare provider before making any arrangements.
Recovery times for cataract surgery procedures vary from person to person, but typically, patients notice an improvement in their vision within a few days of the procedure. However, full healing can take about a month.
During the first few days post-operation, the eye may feel itchy and sensitive. It is also common for a mild burning sensation or grittiness to be experienced. Patients are advised not to rub the eye and to use the prescribed eye drops to help with the healing process and reduce inflammation. Complete visual results and the settling down of any post-operative symptoms could take from several weeks to a few months.
The success rate of cataract surgery procedures in Belgium is very high, similar to other developed regions. As a mature and well-established procedure, the percentage of patients with significantly improved vision following cataract surgery is greater than 95%.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated. These risks mainly involve infection, bleeding, inflammation, detachment of the retina, pressure changes in the eye and sometimes light sensitivity. Most of these complications are extremely rare and can be managed effectively if they occur.
While there is no definitive alternative to cataract surgery, there are some possible management strategies to delay the operation. These may include:
However, these alternatives only address the symptoms rather than the underlying cause, the cataract itself. Once the cataract impairs the quality of life significantly, surgery will likely be recommended. Make sure to discuss the best course of action with your healthcare provider.
Before the cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye examination to measure the size and shape of your eye. This information is necessary to choose the right type of IOL.
After the surgery, you can expect your vision to begin improving within a few days. Your vision may initially be blurry as your eye adjusts to the new IOL. You may also experience soreness or itching in the eye, but this should subside within a few days.
Aftercare is vital for a successful cataract surgery outcome. You will be prescribed eye drops to prevent inflammation and infection. These must be used according to the prescribed schedule. It's essential to prevent anything from bumping into your eye or any unnecessary pressure.
Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your healing process. Patients are usually instructed to wear a protective eye shield while sleeping for a week or so after surgery. Activities like reading or watching television can resume soon after surgery, but strenuous activities or heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.
While it is medically possible to perform cataract surgery on both eyes at the same time, it's not the usual practice in Belgium or in most places worldwide. The wait between surgeries for the second eye is usually one to two weeks.
This is to reduce the risk of potential complications affecting both eyes simultaneously and to ensure the first eye is healing well. However, the decision ultimately depends on the patient's condition and the surgeon's discretion.
Whether you'll need to wear glasses after cataract surgery depends on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose and the accuracy of the IOL power prediction. Monofocal IOLs often require the patient to use reading glasses for close work, while multifocal or accommodating IOLs can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses.
However, you may still need glasses for certain activities, even with the more advanced IOLs. Also, if there is residual refractive error after the surgery (astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness), glasses might be required. You should discuss these details with your ophthalmologist.
Yes, you will be awake during cataract surgery. However, don't let this concern you. The procedure is generally performed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel any discomfort. Your eye will be numbed, and in most cases, you might receive a mild sedative to help you relax.
The process is swift, usually taking between 20 and 30 minutes, and you won't see the details of the surgery. You might see light and movement, but you won't observe the surgical procedure itself. Before the surgery, your doctor will discuss the procedure and answer any questions, so you'll know what to expect.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Belgium is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Europe and has some of Europe’s finest cuisine, including the creamiest chocolates and a wide variation of beers. In addition, it is home to extensive beaches, postcard-worthy dunes, historic cities, and beautiful countryside, with belfries, castles, and carnivals. Belgium has enjoyed a growing reputation for being excellent medical tourism as well as the country boasts immaculate clinical standards. The medical centers in the country offer a wide range of specializes treatments, short waiting time, highly-trained medical professionals, and considerably lower medical costs. Orthopedics and heart surgery are the most sought after procedures in Belgium.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, as well as home to European Union official seats and NATO headquarters. Here, visitors can see Europe’s grandest squares, visit the beloved statue of a little boy peeing into a basin (Manneken Pis), explore Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, and admire the magnificent Grand Palace. Bruges, a pickled Gothic city, is also worth a visit. The key attractions in the city are the 14th-century town hall, the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, and the Belfry Tower. Other popular cities include Antwerp and Ghent. While Antwerp is famous for its fashion and excellent museums, Ghent is best known for its historic quarter and stunning Van Eyck altarpiece in its colossal cathedral.
Belgium has four distinct seasons. Summer in the country is relatively short, starting in July and ending in August. The season is warm, with bearable heat and some intermittent rain. Winter comes in November and extends until March. It can get rather wet and chilly during this season, with an average temperature of around 3 - 7°C. Spring (April – June) and autumn (September – October) are generally nice and warm, with an average temperature of around 10 - 15°C.
The main international airport in Belgium is Brussels Airport. It serves flights to many major cities around the world, including Copenhagen, Doha, London, New York, Atlanta, Casablanca, and Bangkok. Since Belgium is a small country, there are no domestic flights. The public transport system in the country is extremely well-organized and reasonably priced. The best way to get around the country is by train. The trains are affordable, fast, frequent, very punctual, and have a comprehensive network of lines. Buses tend to be used in conjunction with train services, so you will likely need a train-bus combination when traveling, especially to rural areas. Inside cities, the transport systems are centered on buses, but there are also metro and trams in Brussels and Antwerp. Taxis are plentiful in all cities and ensure to hire metered official taxis, which have standard fares.
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, so nationals of EU/EEA countries do not need a visa to visit the country regardless of their length of stay or purpose of travels. Citizens of 62 countries, including Canadian, Australian, and US nationals, can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. Belgium Visa for Medical reasons is available for people who need to obtain medical care in the country.