What To Expect On The Day Of Retinal Surgery
On the day of your surgery, please arrive at the hospital or surgical center 1 1/2 hours prior to your scheduled operative time. NOTE: You must be available the entire day of surgery. Cancellations and unforeseen delays may change your time of surgery. Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to surgery. The nurse will give you instructions regarding your regularly prescribed medications.
Pre–Operative Preparation
- Height/weight taken
- Blood work (done as needed)
- Hospital gown given to wear during surgery
- Blood pressure taken by nurses
- An intravenous line is started
- Eye drops will be given to dilate your pupil
- You will be escorted to the operating room
- You will meet your anesthesiologist
- Sedation given
- Surgery performed
After Surgery
- Your eye will be patched
- You will be positioned as directed by your doctor
- Pain medication will be given as needed
- Your heart rate will be monitored
- You will be given food and drink
- Pain medication will be given as needed
- You will be assisted to the bathroom
- Post-operative instructions will be reviewed with you
- Your Post-op office visit with your doctor will be confirmed
What To Expect After Surgery
After surgery it is normal to experience eye scratchiness, irritation and moderate discomfort. Take Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as needed for pain. Resume your regular diet as tolerated. If you experience severe pain, vomiting and/or inability to take fluids and food, please contact RASU immediately.
On Your First Visit After Surgery
- We will remove the eye patch
- Your eye will be examined by your doctor
- You will be given instruction for drops, positioning and activity restrictions
- Your next office visit will be scheduled
Home Care Instructions
- Maintain positioning as directed by your doctor
- Keep your hands clean
- Gently clean your lids/lashes with a clean warm or cool cloth
- Use drops as prescribed
- Do not rub your eye
- You may wear your glasses
- Expected post operative eye sensations such as sandy/gritty feeling
- Redness on the white part of your eye
- Swelling and tenderness around your eye
- Tearing
- Itching
- Light sensitivity
- Droopy eyelid
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention
- Significant decrease in vision
- Significant pain
- Increase in floaters
- Increase in flashes
- Shadows, curtains or veils in vision
If you have any problems or questions, please contact our office.