This procedure is the most commonly-performed type of retinal surgery. Over time, the substance (air, gas, or liquid) your doctor injected is absorbed by the eye, and your body will produce fluid that will fill the vitreous cavity. If your doctor used silicone oil, however, he will need to surgically remove the oil after several months have passed and the eye has healed.
Take a pain reliever, like acetaminophen Use prescription-strength eye drops or ointments
Follow your doctor’s instructions on posturing to allow the retina to heal. [5] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Do not travel by airplane until the gas bubble is fully absorbed. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to fly again. [6] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Having gas bubbles in the eye may cause complications in other surgeries. Let your doctor know about the gas bubbles before any subsequent surgeries, and before being administered general anesthetic, especially nitrous oxide.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any eye equipment. Soak cotton balls in the prescribed eyewash solution. Loosen any crust that may have formed on your eye, then wipe gently from the inside of your eye across to the outside. If you are treating both eyes, use separate cotton balls for each eye.
Wear the eye shield for at least a week, or for as long as your doctor instructs you to continue use. #* The eyepatch will help protect your eye from bright lights, like the sun, and will help prevent dirt and debris from entering your healing eye.
Abstaining from food and beverages for between two and eight hours before the operation Using eye drops to dilate the pupils (if instructed to do so by your doctor)[8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Opthamologists Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research Go to source
Once the site of the tear is sealed, it will no longer allow fluid to flow into the space behind the retina. The tear will heal with laser or freezing treatment. Your doctor will use laser or freezing treatments to create scar tissue in order to keep the retina firmly in place. [10] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Let your doctor know about the gas bubble in your eye before being administered general anesthesia or being operated on. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Do not travel by airplane until the gas bubbles in your eye are fully absorbed. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to travel by airplane again.
Follow your doctor’s instructions on applying eye drops and other medications.
In cases where there are several tears/holes in the retina or when the detachment is extensive and severe, your surgeon may recommend a scleral buckle that wraps around the entire eye. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source In most cases, the buckle is usually left on the eye permanently. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor may use laser or freezing treatment to create scar tissue around the retina. This will help seal the seal the retinal tear/break to the wall of the eye, preventing fluid from detaching the retina. [18] X Research source
Taking acetaminophen to relieve pain Using prescription eye drops or ointments
Soak cotton balls in the prescribed eyewash solution. Lay the cotton balls across your eyelid for a few seconds to loosen any crust that may have formed on your eye. Gently wipe from the inside of your eye across to the outside. If you are treating both eyes, use separate cotton balls for each eye to avoid the risk of infection.
You will most likely have to wear both the eyepatch and shield over the eye at least until your follow-up visit (usually the next day). You may need to wear the patch outdoors to protect your eye and shield the healing eye from direct sunlight. You can also wear dark sunglasses to help protect your eye while it heals. Your doctor may instruct you to wear the metal shield over your eye while you sleep for at least one week. This is to prevent injury to your eye, in case you roll over onto your pillow.
taking extra precaution in the shower to avoid soap from entering the eye wearing an eyepatch or eye shield to protect the eye avoiding touching or rubbing your eye[20] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Follow the instructions your doctor or pharmacist gives you for proper dosage.
While your eye is healing, your doctor will recommend that you avoid driving until your vision improves and your condition becomes more stable. Avoid watching television or staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time. This may cause eye strain that could further complicate your recovery time. You may also experience sensitivity to light after the surgery, and may find it difficult to look at electronic screens. Reading for prolonged periods may also be difficult.
