Medical

Who do I call if I have a problem in the middle of the night?
If you have a problem in the middle of the night, you should call the physician on call. By calling any of our main office numbers after hours you will be transferred directly to the on call physician’s phone. If the doctor does not pick up, leave a detailed message with your name, phone number and reason for your call. The on call physician will return your call as quickly as possible.

When will I be able to see again?
This depends on many factors, including what type of surgery you had, the success of your surgery and the status of your eye prior to surgery. Your doctor can give you more information after the operation.

I don’t have my eye drops in my kit. What should I do?
Ask your doctor whether you should have any prescription eye drops to use during the post-operative period.

Will I receive pain meds?
Depending on the type of surgery you undergo, your doctor may prescribe pain medications to control post-operative pain.

Can I take my medications before surgery?
If you take oral medications for any systemic conditions, you should take these medications with a sip of clear water on the morning of surgery. If you are diabetic, you should check with your primary doctor whether you should take your diabetic medications on the day of surgery. If you are taking medications that can thin your blood, check with your surgeon whether you should continue to take these medications prior to surgery.

Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery?
You should not experience a lot of pain after surgery. If you experience a significant amount of pain please check with your surgeon or the doctor on call to determine whether this is normal.

How long will I see this gas bubble and will it break apart?
Depending on the type of gas bubble and the type of procedure that you underwent, you may continue to see the gas bubble for up to 8 weeks after surgery. It is not unusual for the gas bubble to break up, resulting in several smaller bubbles.

How long do I need to keep my face down?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on face down positioning.

Is this bloody discharge normal?
Bloody discharge is not unusual after surgery. A small amount of bloody discharge is expected and should be wiped gently away from the eye using a clean tissue.

Can I resume my aspirin?
Ask your surgeon for instructions.

Should I continue my glaucoma drops?
Generally you should continue your glaucoma drops prior to and after surgery. However, ask your surgeon for specific instructions as different cases may vary.

When can I begin my blood thinners?
Ask your surgeon for instructions. When is my post-operative appointment? Your first post-operative appointment is the day after surgery. You should receive instructions about the appointment prior to the surgery.

Do I need to bring someone with me?
You should have someone drive you to the surgery and to the first post-operative appointment.

Hygiene

Can I wash my hair?
You can carefully wash your hair the day after surgery. Avoid getting soapy water in your eye.

When can I take a shower?
You can take a shower the day after surgery. Ask you surgeon for specific instructions. Be aware that in certain cases post-operative positioning requirements will make showering difficult or impossible in the early recovery period.

Personal

Is this covered by insurance?
This is usually between you and your insurance company. Our office staff can help guide you with answers to most of your questions.

When can I drive again?
Ask your surgeon for specific instructions. How long will I be out of work? Ask your surgeon for specific instructions.

When can I exercise?
Ask your surgeon for specific instructions.

When can I fly?
You can fly as soon as the gas bubble has disappeared from your eye. If you did not have a gas bubble as a part of your surgery, you probably do not have restrictions on flying, but ask your surgeon for specific instructions.

Can I read after surgery?
Ask your surgeon for specific instructions. Can I go hiking? Generally you should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least one week after surgery, but ask your surgeon for specific instructions in your case.