What happens immediately afterwards?
- You will return to the ward with an eye patch and clear protective shield, which is kept on until the following morning.
- I recommend that someone takes you home from the hospital but it is not usually necessary for a friend or relative to stay with you overnight unless you have had a general anaesthetic.
- You will be given 2 bottles of eye drops to put in usually 4 times per day, starting upon removal of the pad and lasting for 4 weeks. One drop is an antibiotic, the other is to reduce inflammation.
- Your eye may be slightly sticky in the mornings. You can bathe your eyelids gently using cooled boiled water and sterile gauze.
- Do not rub or press on your eye.
- The protective shield should be worn at night for 2-3 weeks.
Will my eye be comfortable with clear vision straightaway?
- For the first couple of days afterwards, you may notice the vision is blurry, your eye may be a bit sensitive to light or it may feel slightly gritty. These symptoms are normal, and will be short-lived. Sunglasses can be helpful.
- The eye will become progressively more comfortable and your vision will improve over the coming days and weeks.
- Depending on the type of intraocular lens inserted, you are likely to require glasses for your eyesight to be as good as possible.
No symptoms should deteriorate and you must contact me immediately if you become aware of:
- Increased pain
- Worsening vision
- Increased redness or discharge
- Flashes of light, floaters or a curtain across your vision
What are the follow-up arrangements?
- I see patients 2-4 weeks after the operation
- You should visit your community optician for new glasses 5-6 weeks after the surgery.