Patient Education
Surgery
A practical guide to vitreoretinal surgery — from preparation and the day of your procedure to recovery, positioning, and knowing when to call.
You must have a driver on the day of surgery
A responsible adult must drive you home after your procedure. Rideshares, taxis, and shuttles are not permitted. Please arrange this before your surgery date.
Before Surgery
Nothing to Eat or Drink After Midnight
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery, or on the morning of your procedure.
Shower, No Makeup or Creams
You may shower the night before or morning of surgery. Do not apply makeup, lotions, or creams to your face on the day of your procedure.
Follow Your Medication Instructions
Take or skip your usual medications only as directed in your pre-surgical instructions. If you have not received instructions, call our office before your surgery date.
Bring All Your Medications
Bring a complete list of your medications — or the bottles themselves — with you to the surgical facility.
You Must Have a Driver
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. Rideshares, taxis, and hotel shuttles are not acceptable. This is required for your safety.
A pre-surgery medical evaluation is required to confirm you are healthy enough for the procedure. Our surgical coordinator will guide you through scheduling and pre-operative testing.
After Surgery
Some blurry vision and mild discomfort are normal in the first days after surgery. Here is what to expect and do.
Leave Your Patch On Overnight
An eye patch and protective shield will be placed over your eye after surgery. Leave them on until the morning after your procedure.
Start Eye Drops When Patch Comes Off
Begin your prescribed eye drop schedule as soon as you remove the patch the next morning. Do not skip doses.
Post-Op Visit the Next Day
Your first follow-up appointment is typically scheduled the day after surgery. Your surgeon will adjust the follow-up schedule based on your eye's healing.
Gas Bubble & Head Positioning
What is the gas bubble?
In certain procedures (such as retinal detachment repair or macular hole surgery), a gas bubble is injected into the eye to hold the retina in place while it heals. It causes temporary blurry vision and will look like a dark shadow or waterline crossing your vision. The bubble absorbs on its own, in roughly one to two weeks for shorter-acting gas and up to six to eight weeks for longer-acting gas.
Head positioning
Specific head positioning (such as face-down) may be required to keep the gas bubble in contact with the treated area of the retina. If positioning is needed, your surgeon will give you detailed instructions. Not all surgeries require it.
No flying while a gas bubble is present
Air travel is strictly prohibited until the gas bubble has fully absorbed. Changes in cabin pressure can cause a dangerous rise in eye pressure. Silicone oil (used in some cases instead of gas) does not carry this restriction.
Activity Restrictions
- No rubbing your eye
- No heavy lifting, bending, or straining for 2–3 weeks
- No driving until cleared by your surgeon
- No getting soap or water in the operated eye while showering
- Avoid nose blowing and forceful coughing
- Wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eye outdoors
- Do not return to work until your surgeon approves
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe eye pain or sudden increase in pain
- Significant redness, swelling, or discharge
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Sudden or significant change in vision
Surgical Facilities
Surgeries are performed at dedicated ambulatory surgical centers — not in our clinic offices. Your surgical coordinator will confirm the location and arrival time when scheduling.