Relief of pain
It is unusual for the eye to feel more than mildly uncomfortable.
A mild painkiller, such as Paracetamol is adequate.
Dressings
An eye shield is placed on the eye at the end of surgery.
No dressings are used after the operation but sunglasses may be helpful.
It is a good idea to use an eye shield at bedtime for the first two or three
nights to remind you not to rub the eye.
Do not clean the eye itself with tissues or towels etc. You may remove any debris from the eyelid with a clean tissue.
Eye Drops
Two different types of drops will be provided, one called Acular, to be used three times a day for one week, and one called Tobradex, to be used three times a day for four weeks. Please make sure you are confident about inserting these drops before leaving the hospital.
Washing
Continue to wash your face as normal, keeping soap away from the eye. Bathing is more sensible than showering for the first week. If your eye becomes sticky, bathe with cooled, boiled water using a tissue or cotton wool. Eye make-up should be avoided for two weeks and it is advisable to avoid hair washing for the first few days.
Exercise, lifting and straining
Gentle activity is encouraged (light housework, walking) but avoid heavy or vigorous exercise such as heavy gardening, tennis, moving furniture etc. for the first two or three weeks. You may drive after four days if vision is adequate and you feel well. For the first two or three days, avoid too much bending or straining.
Vision
Your vision should be improving by day two. You will probably not be able to see very clearly for reading until you obtain new spectacles at about one month after the operation
Queries or worries
You should contact Mr Tanner or the main Hospital switchboard if the eye becomes very red or painful, the vision deteriorates, or you develop nausea and vomiting.
If you have any unanswered questions or worries, please contact Mr Tanner’s secretary on 0118 955 3457 for Reading patients or 01753 743 418 for Windsor patients.
