Skip to content

Dr Ladner

Oculoplastic Conditions

Eye Surgeon Durban

As a well known Durban eye surgeon, Dr Grant Ladner specialises in general eye conditions and oculoplastic surgery. This involves surgery to the structures around the eye. This includes lacrimal surgery which focuses on the tear ducts system that normally drains tears from the eyes. He is also a specialist in orbital surgery, eyelid surgery and eye socket surgery. Below are the oculoplastic conditions that Dr Grant Ladner specialises in. 

This surgery involves creating a tissue bed in which an ocular prosthesis can be placed when the eye has been removed.

Eyelid surgery includes operations for eyelid malpositions such as entropion, ectropion, dermatochalasis, ptosis and eyelid retraction. The eye lid position can be corrected and blepharoplasties performed. Eyelid surgery is also performed for different types of skin cancer. The cancer is removed and the eyelid is then reconstructed.

The most common indication for lacrimal surgery is watering of the eye due to a blocked tear duct. This operation is called a dacryocystorhinostomy.

Orbital surgery includes the management of orbital tumours, the treatment of orbital fractures and orbital decompressions. Orbital decompression surgery is one of the treatment modalities for Thyroid Eye Disease

Oculoplastic Surgery | Frequently Asked Questions

  • Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin or fat from the eyelids, and it can be both functional and cosmetic. While many patients in Pretoria East seek eyelid surgery for a rejuvenated appearance, it is often medically necessary if sagging upper lids (ptosis) obstruct your peripheral vision or cause heavy eye strain. 

  • No, incisions for Blepharoplasty are carefully hidden within the natural creases of the upper eyelid or just inside the lower lid. At Kloof Eye, our surgical techniques focus on "invisible" healing; most patients find that any redness fades rapidly, leaving a refreshed look without obvious signs of surgery. 

  • Most patients return to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days, though full healing continues for several weeks. You should expect some bruising and swelling—often described as a "black eye" effect—which can be managed with cold compresses and by avoiding strenuous exercise in the dry Gauteng heat for the first two weeks. 

  • A DCR is a specialised surgery to create a new drainage pathway between the tear sac and the nose to bypass a blocked tear duct. At our Erasmuskloof rooms, we perform this to resolve chronic "watery eyes" (epiphora) and prevent recurrent, painful infections caused by stagnant tears. 

  • Endoscopic DCR is often preferred because it is performed entirely through the nostril, leaving no external scar on the face. During your consultation at Kloof Eye, we will evaluate your nasal anatomy to determine if the "scarless" endoscopic approach or the traditional external method will provide the most reliable long-term drainage for you. 

  • A soft silicone tube is temporarily placed in the new drainage channel to keep it open while the internal tissues heal. This stent is usually invisible to others and is easily removed by our specialists in Pretoria during a quick, painless follow-up visit roughly 6 to 12 weeks after the procedure. 

  • Medical aids typically cover DCR surgery and functional Blepharoplasty if a visual field test proves your sight is impaired. If the surgery is purely for aesthetic rejuvenation, it is classified as "cosmetic" and is usually an out-of-pocket expense; we recommend checking with providers like Discovery or Momentum regarding your specific plan benefits. 

  • You must avoid rubbing your eyes, wearing contact lenses, and heavy lifting for at least two weeks post-op. For our DCR patients in Constantia Park and Waterkloof, it is also critical not to blow your nose for the first 10 days to prevent air from being forced under the skin or causing a nosebleed. 

Dr Grant Ladner | Eye Surgeon