Post-operative care instructions
This page contains generalised information about what to do and expect after eye surgery.
You will receive a patient information sheet with my contact details and information specific to you on the day of surgery.
After Vitrectomy Surgery
Head position:
Please adhere to this as strictly as possible to ensure optimal conditions for recovery. The specifics will be provided in your handout after surgery as it varies according to your eye condition.
Eye Care:
-
Avoid touching or rubbing your eye
-
Wear the plastic eye shield for 1 week at night. This protects your from accidental rubbing. You can but don’t have to wear it during the day.
-
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eye
-
Avoid getting water in your eye for 2 weeks. Showering is fine 24 hours after surgery but ensure that the water does not enter your eye. If you must wash your eye, use saline from the chemist or boiled water that has been cooled.
-
No Swimming for 6 weeks
-
Do not wear eye makeup for at least 2 weeks.
Medications/Eye drops into operated eye:
-
Chlorsig drops (antibiotic to prevent infection)
-
put one drop into the operated eye 4x a day (e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner and before bed)
-
Do this for 2 weeks (unless instructed otherwise)
-
Wait at least 5 minutes before putting the next drop
-
-
Prednefrin forte drops (steroid to reduce inflammation and aid healing)
-
Put one drop into the operated eye, 4x a day (e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner and before bed)
-
Follow this table ​​
-
4x a day
for 4 weeks
3x a day
for 1 week
2x a day
for 1 week
1x a day
for 1 week
Stop
.
-
Continue your other medications (unless directed otherwise)
What NOT to do after surgery (until advised by Dr Chew)
-
Do not drive
-
Do not fly or travel to areas of high altitude
-
Do not do tiring or strenuous physical activities
-
Do not lift anything heavier than 5 kg
-
Do not swim
-
Do not rub your eye
-
Do not get anything into your eye (e.g. dust, water)
Symptoms you may experience during recovery:
-
It is normal for the eye to look red and inflamed after surgery; a bit of bleeding is normal and helps with healing!
-
Some cases may require an insertion of an air or gas bubble – some patients describe what they see as a “spirit level” that moves as they move their head, or as if they are underwater/in an aquarium. This is normal! Over the days and weeks, this “spirit level” will gradually get lower and lower until it completely disappears.
-
There may also be some mild soreness and discomfort. Panadol usually helps with this.
Warning Signs – contact Dr Chew or his office (number provided in your handout)
-
Increased pain in your eye that is very severe and not controlled by Panadol and Nurofen (it is normal to feel some discomfort and soreness after surgery)
-
Complete loss of vision
-
Uncontrolled vomiting
After Cataract Surgery
Eye Care:
-
Avoid touching or rubbing your eye
-
Wear the plastic eye shield for 1 week at night. This protects your from accidental rubbing. You can but don’t have to wear it during the day.
-
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eye
-
Avoid getting water in your eye for 2 weeks. Showering is fine 24 hours after surgery but ensure that the water does not enter your eye. If you must wash your eye, use saline from the chemist or boiled water that has been cooled.
-
No Swimming for 6 weeks
-
Do not wear eye makeup for at least 2 weeks.
Medications/Eye drops into operated eye:
-
Chlorsig drops (antibiotic to prevent infection)
-
put one drop into the operated eye 4x a day (e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner and before bed)
-
Do this for 1 week (unless instructed otherwise)
-
Wait at least 5 minutes before putting the next drop
-
-
Prednefrin forte drops (steroid to reduce inflammation and aid healing)
-
Put one drop into the operated eye, 4x a day (e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner and before bed)
-
Follow this table ​​
-
4x a day
for 4 weeks
2x a day
for 1 week
1x a day
for 1 week
Stop
.
-
Continue your other medications (unless directed otherwise)
What NOT to do after surgery (until advised by Dr Chew)
-
Do not drive
-
Do not do tiring or strenuous physical activities
-
Do not lift anything heavier than 5 kg
-
Do not swim
-
Do not rub your eye
-
Do not get anything into your eye (e.g. dust, water)
Symptoms you may experience during recovery:
-
It is normal for the eye to look red and inflamed after surgery; a bit of bleeding is normal and helps with healing!
-
There be some mild soreness and discomfort. Panadol usually helps with this.
Warning Signs – contact Dr Chew or his office (number provided in your handout)
-
Increased pain in your eye that is very severe and not controlled by Panadol and Nurofen (it is normal to feel some discomfort and soreness after surgery)
-
Complete loss of vision
-
Uncontrolled vomiting