General
The thought of eye surgery can be very disturbing to patients. You must not worry; eye surgeons are all dedicated to helping you get your vision back. Eye surgeons are generally happy and enthusiastic individuals because this happens in the vast majority of cases. As it is a very specialised field, many of the terms used are difficult to understand especially when you have just been told that you have an eye disease. So please ask questions until you are happy that you know what is going on. Eye surgeons are always pleased to explain things in great and often disturbing detail.
Vitrectomy
This surgery involves an overnight stay where a pad is put on your eye. It is taken off the day after surgery and you will be sent home with drops to put in your eye. If you have had gas or silicone oil in the eye your vision may be very blurred. Do not worry about this, it is likely to improve when the agent disappears or is removed.
You should be able to do everything that you normally do to care for yourself after surgery. For approximately 4 weeks after the procedure you should avoid swimming or getting water in your eye during bathing. The eyelids should be gently cleaned with a cotton wool pad and warm water.
You should refrain from excessive bending or heavy lifting for 4 weeks after the procedure. If your eye becomes painful after surgery or the vision having recovered gets worse you must contact Mr Scott’s office immediately and attend your local eye casualty to make sure that all is well. There is normally very little pain after surgery and you must seek help if you need more than paracetamol to control it.
Cataract Surgery
This surgery is usually performed as a day-case procedure under local anaesthesia. You are discharged soon after surgery with a shield over the eye that can be removed the next day. You should put the shield on at night for the first five nights. You will be able to see a little bit immediately after surgery, but you will find the vision improves markedly over the next two or three days. You should start the drops the day after surgery and these will be reduced at your first postoperative visit.
You should be able to do everything that you normally do to care for yourself after surgery. For approximately 4 weeks after the procedure you should avoid swimming or getting water in your eye during bathing. The eyelids should be gently cleaned with a cotton wool pad and warm water.
You should refrain from excessive bending or heavy lifting for 4 weeks after the procedure. If your eye becomes painful after surgery or the vision having recovered gets worse you must contact Mr Scott’s office immediately and attend your local eye casualty to make sure that all is well. There is normally very little pain after surgery and you must seek help if you need more than paracetamol to control it.