Vitrectomy Post Operative Advice

What to expect on the day of your surgery:

• Increased watering of the eye (blood staining is normal).
• Your eye may feel achy and uncomfortable, take simple over the counter painkillers if needed.
• Your eye may feel gritty/prickly, this may last for a few days.
• Double/blurred vision.
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• You may have had gas or air put in to your eye during surgery, if so you may be asked to posture in a certain position for a few days post operatively. You will be given a separate information sheet explaining posturing instructions if needed.

The morning after your operation:

• Gently remove your eye dressing.
• Wash your hands.
• With sterile cotton wool, clean your eye with cool boiled water. Wipe from the nose outwards. If required, you may gently pull down your eyelid to do this.
• Instil your eye drops as prescribed.
• Wash the eye shield with warm soapy water.
• If asked to wear an eye shield to sleep in at night, wear this for 1 week.

You are advised:

• Do not rub, poke or apply pressure to the operated eye. (The wound is self-healing, pressure may cause wound to open and be prone to infection).
• Avoid strenuous exercise, gardening, heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
• Do not wear eye make up for 2 weeks.
• Do not perm/colour your hair for 2 weeks.
• Do not go swimming for 2 weeks (wear goggles to swim for 1st month).
• Do not drive until you are seen at your outpatient appointment and have been told by a professional it is safe to do so (follow DVLA guidelines).
• Do not return to work for 2 weeks if your job involves heavy lifting, or work in unclean environment.
• Do not use handkerchiefs to wipe your eye. Use a clean tissue each time.

You can:

• Wash your hair, but with head backwards.
• Shower/bathe as normal, avoid getting soap/shampoo in the eye.
• Do light housework and shopping.
• Read, watch TV.
• Wear your glasses as normal.

Contact us if:

• Your vision deteriorates.
• If you experience severe pain, not relieved by painkillers.
• If you develop a sticky green/yellow discharge from the eye.
• If you experience increased floaters.
• If you injure your eye.

Contacts: