Once you’re done with surgery and heading home, there are a few key things to do (and not do) in those first hours.
You’ll have a protective shield or patch over the eye – keep it on as directed (usually until the next morning, except when putting in drops). This shield protects you from accidentally rubbing or bumping the eye. At home, rest is the main order of the day. Take it easy – maybe lie back in a recliner or prop yourself up in bed and listen to music or a podcast. You can expect your vision to be very blurry on the day of surgery. Do not be alarmed; that is normal. Your eye may feel a bit scratchy, teary, or foreign-body sensation (like an eyelash in it) – that’s normal for a few hours as the numbing wears off and from the incision. If you have discomfort, you can take something like Tylenol; severe pain is not expected, so if you feel that, call your doctor – there is typically an after hours number for this very reason. Most of the normal, minor discomfort will improve dramatically after a good night’s sleep. You may still feel drowsy from the sedation, so a nap can help.
Do not rub or press on the eye. Even though it might be tempting if it feels gritty, avoid touching it. You can use a clean tissue to dab tears from your cheek, but do not press on your eye. Eye drops: Usually, you’ll start your post-op drops regimen that day – possibly an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. Make sure to wash hands and use them as instructed (often one drop each, a few times that day). If allowed, you may also use preservative free tears for any irritation, FBS, or scratchiness.
Avoid bending over or heavy lifting for at least the rest of the day (and a few days beyond) because that can increase eye pressure. When you bend, squat with your knees instead of stooping your head low, if needed. (Not every surgeon will have this restriction). No driving the day of surgery, obviously. Also, it’s best not to make any important decisions or sign legal papers right after since you might be mildly sedated still. You can typically eat a light meal when you feel up to it. Many surgeons advise taking it easy with reading or screen time on day 0 – not that it will harm the eye, but your vision might be blurry and you want to avoid strain. Sleep with the shield on, including naps, so you don’t inadvertently rub the eye in your sleep. The next morning, you’ll usually remove the shield to start drops and can leave it off except during sleep for about a week.
One more tip: have someone help you the first time you remove the shield or patch – sometimes there’s a bit of discharge or dried tears around the eye, and you’ll want to gently clean it with sterile saline or preservative-free artificial tears and sterile gauze.
Your surgeon will see you likely the next day to check everything (sometimes this is done the same day afternoon if you had surgery in the morning). Follow all those instructions, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a smooth first 24 hours
