This handout will tell you what to expect and what to do at home after eye surgery. If you have any questions about your home care, please talk to your nurse or doctor.
A scleral buckle is a type of surgery performed to fix a detached retina. The outer layer of the eye is indented (buckled) by suturing a silicone band to the surface of the eye.
A vitrectomy is a type of surgery performed to repair a detached retina or to remove vitreous, blood, and membranes from the inside of the eye to improve vision.
What to Expect
After surgery, you should wear the eye patch and shield until your follow-up visit.
Your doctor will remove the patch and shield the day after surgery. Your eye may look red, swollen, or bruised, and may have a small amount of drainage.
You may have dull pain, aching, or a scratchy feeling in your eye for a couple of days. You can take Tylenol® for pain, if needed.
You may experience light sensitivity for at least one week after surgery due to dilation of your eye and using the eye drops.
If you have a gas bubble in your eye you will not be able to see well until the bubble becomes smaller as it absorbs. You will see a level in your eye as this happens. Your depth perception will be poor. You cannot fly in an airplane while the bubble remains in your eye. You will be given a green bracelet to wear after surgery. Keep your bracelet on your wrist until the bubble absorbs.
What to Do
Leave the patch or shield on at night. Do not use eye drops in the affected eye the first night unless told otherwise. Keep using any other eye medicines you may be taking in the other eye.
We will give you prescriptions for eye drops and/or eye ointment. Have them filled and bring them with you to all visits. Your doctor will tell you how to use them and how long you will need to use them. Always wash your hands before using eye drops.
If the eye or the skin of the lids has increasing redness or swelling, you may be allergic to the eye drops. Stop using the drops and contact your doctor right away.
How to Keep Your Eye Clean
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry them using a clean towel.
Soak sterile cotton balls with eye wash solution.
Wipe gently from the inner corner (near the nose) outward.
Metal Shield
Use the shield each night, or while taking a nap, for 1 week. This protects your eye from injury when you are asleep.
Eye Patch
You may use an eye patch or metal shield for comfort or protection when you are outdoors. You do not need to wear the patch indoors. You may wear dark glasses for comfort if light bothers your eyes.
Activities After Surgery
Work
Unless your doctor says not to, you may do light work. Avoid strenuous tasks. Do not lift anything over 30 pounds for 2 weeks. Avoid vigorous coughing, sneezing, chopping, pounding, or jerking movements. Avoid bending below the waist.
Exercise
Cold air will not harm your eye. Feel free to take daily walks (with help, if needed). You may walk up and down stairs carefully as your depth perception will be impaired. Avoid running and swimming for at least two weeks.
Driving
If your vision is okay, you may drive. Ask your doctor about when you may resume driving.
Positioning
A gas bubble may be injected into your eye during vitrectomy surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about the proper position and how long you must remain in the position after surgery. Positioning allows the bubble to support the retina correctly as you heal. You cannot drive, exercise, or work during this phase.
Washing Your Hair
If you wash your hair in the shower, make sure no soap or shampoo gets in your eyes. If you prefer, sit with your back to a sink and your head tipped back as in a beauty salon. Use baby shampoo for the first week.
Watching TV and Reading
You may read and watch TV after surgery. If you have to position, then you can watch TV during breaks or with a mirror.
Diet
You may eat your normal diet.
When to Call
Pain not controlled by pain medicine.
Nausea/vomiting. This may be a sign of increased eye pressure.
Increased redness or swelling.
Decreasing vision.
For questions or concerns.
Who to Call
University Station Eye Clinic,
8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
(608) 916-2020
After hours, your call will be sent to the paging operator. Ask for the “eye resident on call.” Give your name and number with area code. The doctor will call you back.
Toll-free number: 1-800-323-8942. Ask to be transferred to the above number.