Surgical and laser procedures

Dr. Emmanuel Bolaños Betancourt: ophthalmic surgeon with advanced training in cornea, refractive surgery and cataract microsurgery. I see patients at Hospital Aranda de la Parra Puerto Interior (20 minutes from León) and at Oftalmo-Visión Clínica Oftalmológica in downtown Silao. Board certified by the Consejo Mexicano de Oftalmología since 2013, member 3045. Over 15 years of clinical practice, 292 combined Google reviews with a 4.9 average.

Excimer laser refractive surgery (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism): I perform laser surgery to correct common visual defects like myopia (trouble seeing distant objects), hyperopia (trouble seeing close objects) and astigmatism (distorted vision). It’s an outpatient procedure, fast and precise, that lets you reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.

Custom LASIK, PRK and LASEK techniques: These are the main refractive laser techniques. In LASIK, I lift a thin corneal flap. In PRK, I remove the surface layer. In LASEK, I use an intermediate technique. Based on your studies, I explain which one is safest and most effective for your case.

Microincision cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation: I use a modern technique called phacoemulsification, which lets me remove the cataract through a very small incision. In the same procedure, I implant an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision.

Extracapsular cataract surgery with lens implantation: In certain special cases (very advanced cataracts, or patients with specific conditions), I perform extracapsular surgery. It’s a broader approach but equally safe, and an intraocular lens is placed as well.

Phakic intraocular lens implant (ICL) for high prescriptions: If you have very high myopia or hyperopia and aren’t a candidate for laser surgery, I can implant a lens inside the eye without removing your natural lens. This technique delivers excellent visual correction without altering the eye’s natural structure.

Accelerated corneal crosslinking (AVEDRO system): This treatment stops the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the cornea using ultraviolet light and riboflavin. I perform it with the latest generation of technology, which reduces exposure time and improves comfort.

Intrastromal ring implantation (keratoconus / ectasia): I place small ring-shaped segments inside the cornea to improve its shape and help stabilize vision in cases of keratoconus or corneal deformation. It’s an intermediate option between specialty contact lenses and a transplant.

Corneal transplant (penetrating or lamellar): In advanced cases of corneal damage, I perform full or partial corneal transplants. I select the most appropriate technique based on which layer is affected. I perform these at accredited surgical centers, with personalized follow-up.

Sutureless pterygium surgery: Pterygium, sometimes called “surfer’s eye,” is an abnormal growth on the cornea. I remove it with modern techniques that reduce the risk of recurrence and avoid the need for stitches, which speeds up recovery.

Chalazion surgery (lipogranuloma removal): When a gland in the eyelid becomes blocked and forms a persistent bump, I can remove it on an outpatient basis through a small incision. It’s a straightforward procedure I perform in the office or in a minor procedure room.

Strabismus surgery in children and adults: If the eyes aren’t properly aligned, I can correct the angle of deviation by adjusting the eye muscles. This surgery improves both visual function and appearance. I perform it on children as well as adults with residual or acquired strabismus.

Glaucoma surgery: Ahmed valve and trabeculectomy: When drops or laser aren’t enough to control glaucoma, I perform filtering surgery. Trabeculectomy creates a new drainage path for the aqueous humor. The Ahmed valve is a device that regulates eye pressure continuously. I choose between them based on the type of glaucoma and how it has progressed.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT): This is a laser treatment I apply to the eye’s drainage tissue to improve fluid outflow and lower eye pressure. It’s painless, outpatient, and can delay or eliminate the need for surgery in many glaucoma patients.

Laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy: When diabetes causes bleeding, swelling or abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, I apply laser treatment to seal damaged vessels and prevent complications. It’s a fast, effective procedure to protect vision.

Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections: I use injections inside the eye with medication that stops abnormal blood vessel growth in conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It’s a key treatment for preserving vision.

YAG laser posterior capsulotomy: After cataract surgery, the capsule that holds the lens in place can become cloudy. In those cases, I apply YAG laser to restore visual clarity without another surgery.

YAG laser iridotomy (narrow-angle glaucoma): This laser creates a small opening in the iris to improve drainage in the eye and prevent acute pressure spikes. It’s especially useful for people prone to angle-closure glaucoma.

Preoperative evaluation with biometry and topography: Before any eye surgery, I run detailed studies including ocular biometry (measuring the eye to select the right lens) and corneal topography (a map of the cornea). This ensures the procedure is precise, safe and individual to you.

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Last updated: May 30, 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Emmanuel Bolaños, ophthalmic surgeon (Mexican Board of Ophthalmology, member 3045).