FAQs After Retina Surgery
You should wear the eye patch for the first night after surgery. You do not need to wear an eye patch after the patch is removed by your doctor at your first post-operative appointment (usually the day after surgery) unless specifically directed to by Dr. Stelton.
Will I have pain after surgery?
Some discomfort is normal and expected following surgery. Discomfort should gradually decrease with time. Tylenol should be sufficient to relieve any pain. Prescription drops will help with pain as well. Wearing sunglasses can help with photophobia after surgery.
How much drainage should I expect?
A mild-moderate amount of discharge during the first week is expected. Gradually the drainage will decrease. The lids can be cleaned using a clean washcloth or Kleenex. Wipe the eyelids gently from the nose outward.
Will there be swelling? Will my eye be red?
Swelling is normal for about one-two weeks after surgery and will gradually decrease. Swelling may worsen or last longer if you are instructed to maintain any face-down positioning after surgery by the doctor. The eye will be red after surgery. You should see the redness gradually decreasing over the next 3 to 4 weeks.
Will I need to use eye drops?
You will be given different kinds of eye drops after surgery. The directions will be on each bottle. One drop (Durezol or prednisolone, milky fluid) is for inflammation after eye surgery. The other drop is an antibiotic to prevent infection and promote healing. The antibiotic drop (clear) will be used for 7 days after surgery only. The steroid (milky drop) will be used for 3-6 weeks typically. Occasionally a third drop may be prescribed to control the pressure in your eye.
You will be using eye drops for approximately 4 to 8 weeks. Always wash your hands before using drops or ointment. Simply pull down the lower lid and squeeze one drop into the eye. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Be careful not to touch the dropper to your eye or eyelid. Dr. Stelton will change your drop regimen at each office visit depending on your recovery.
How long will it take for my vision to improve?
The first day after surgery your vision will be worse because of the eye medications and inflammation from the surgery.
Frequently, air or gas bubbles are injected into the eye at the time of surgery. This will blur your vision significantly at first, but your vision will gradually improve as the bubble dissipates. You may notice floaters after surgery. These symptoms usually decrease with time. Double vision can occur and will usually resolve over the first few days. If double vision is bothersome, patching the eye may help. You can purchase eye patches from your local drug store.
Your vision should gradually improve, but it may take up to six months or longer to regain your best vision. Visual recovery is variable depending on the severity of your case.
Are there any physical restrictions after retina surgery?
If an oil or gas bubble was placed in your eye during the surgery, you will be asked not to sleep on your back until the bubble has totally dissolved or the oil is removed surgically. In addition, you are restricted from flying until the bubble completely dissipates.
You must not fly or have dental work while a gas bubble remains in your eye.
You may return to work usually 1-2 weeks after the surgery. If your work involves physical activity or driving, we may need to restrict your work activities, or you may need to remain off work longer. You may watch TV, look at magazines, or work on puzzles. Reading may be uncomfortable for several days but using the eye will not cause any damage.
You will want to take it easy. If you must go outside wear sunglasses to avoid getting any dust or dirt into the eye.
For the first 2 weeks, do not bend below your waist, move suddenly, do any straining or lifting more than 10 lbs. Bending should always be from the knees, to keep your head above the heart.
Dr. Stelton will be very specific with your positioning requirements after surgery if it is required.
Are there any driving restrictions?
Generally, driving can be resumed in several days if you have good vision in your other eye. If you do not feel comfortable or safe to drive, DO NOT DRIVE. Your depth perception may be decreased, so you will want to try driving during the day and in light traffic.
When can I shower and wash my hair?
You may take a shower or bathe when you get home. Try to not get water or soap directly into your eye. Wash your hair with your head tilted back to avoid getting water or shampoo in your eye. Do not use make-up, mascara, creams or lotions around your eye for several weeks. You may NOT go swimming or emerge your face in water until instructed by Dr. Stelton.
What if I need another type of surgery after my eye surgery?
If you require to have another surgery under general anesthesia and have a gas bubble in your eye, have your surgeon contact our office prior to any surgery. If surgery is elective, you will need to wait until the bubble has dissipated and you are cleared from Dr. Stelton before having any surgery under anesthesia.