Eye Problems Explained.

Some of the questions and answers people often ask about eye problems after eye surgery and what to expect after retinal surgery.

Will my eye be painful after the operation?

Most people are aware of an uncomfortable or sore eye after surgery, rather than having a painful eye. The last part of the operation involves injecting a local anaesthetic around the eye and this controls the pain in the few hours after the operation when it would be at its most severe.
After this tablets such as Paracetamol or Ibruprofen (Nurofen) seem to be adequate. It is rare for people to have to use stronger painkillers than this for this particular eye problem.

How much will I see after the operation?

This depends on many factors and can be difficult to predict. A gas bubble within the eye will reduce the vision to the level whereby light is detected and movement may be seen. Oil within the eye will compromise the vision in a less marked fashion.

Some patients who have surgery to clear a haemorrhage from the eye have some residual blood in the eye the next day, and may be aware that their vision is little better than pre-operatively. Other patients have quite severe retinal disease prior to the operation and as a result of which, regardless of the presence of gas or oil in the eye, vision will be poor and take some time to recover.

How do I know if things are going wrong?

A general rule of thumb is that the amount of pain in the eye should get less on a day by day basis. The vision that you have should remain the same or improve. Therefore no further eye problems should emerge.
Any decrease in the amount of vision that is present or increase in pain is suggestive of a potentially serious eye problem. In such circumstances you should seek attention urgently.

Will I have to use drops after the operation?

Everybody is put on to an antibiotic and a steroid anti-inflammatory drop. These tend to be used for up to a month and are initially usually instilled four times a day. In addition to this some patients have problems with pressure within the eye and are on extra drops to control this.

What can or can't I do after the operation?

Again, this varies. Patients with a gas bubble in the eye have to maintain a certain position in order to use the gas bubble to hold the retina in place or help to close the macular hole. Wherever possible this is a normal upright position during the day, and sleeping on one or other ear depending on the side of the problem within the eye.
Very occasionally it is necessary to ask people to position face down as much as possible up to a week after the operation.
It may be unsafe to drive after the operation particularly if you have a gas bubble in the eye. Please discuss this with your consultant.
Patients with a gas bubble in the eye must not fly until such time as the gas bubble has fully absorbed.
The eye will be more sensitive to irritation than usual after the operation. As a result of this, smoky rooms or chlorine from swimming pools should be expected to hurt more than usual.
Allowing for the exceptions above a general rule is ‘If you can see to safely do it then it is probably fine.
You should not drive with a gas bubble in your eye !

Will my eye be sticky after the operation?

Yes, in the first few days after the operation you can expect it to be stuck together in the mornings. There may also be a little bit of bleeding from the surface of the eye. Again this is something that should get better rather than worse on a day by day basis. In order to clean the eye we recommend the use of cooled boiled water and cotton wool balls.

Will I have to change my glasses after the operation?

It is likely that your glasses will have to be changed at some time. The timing and likely benefit of any change in glasses which are necessary is something that can be discussed at the outpatient follow-up visit.