What to Expect on the Day of Your Retina Surgery
Below is a step-by-step overview of what you and your family can expect on the day of any retina procedure. Our goal is to keep you comfortable, informed, and safe from the moment you arrive through the time you head home.
Surgery Day Overview
1
Before You Leave Home
- Fasting: You'll be asked not to eat or drink after midnight before surgery (unless otherwise instructed).
- Medications: Take any essential medications (e.g., heart or blood pressure meds) with a small sip of water, as directed. Bring a list of all current prescriptions.
- Make-Up & Skin Products: Please arrive with a clean, make-up–free face and eyelids—avoid any eye makeup, lotions, creams, perfumes, or nail polish on surgery day.
- Arrangements: Plan for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
2
Arrival & Check-In
- Arrival Time: Come to the surgical center at your scheduled time (typically 1–2 hours before the procedure).
- What to Bring: Photo ID and insurance cards, A list of medications, Your eyeglasses (you'll remove contacts), Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
3
Pre-Op Preparation
- Registration & Consent: A staff member will verify your paperwork and review the surgical consent form.
- Vitals & Questions: A nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and review your health history.
- Anesthesia Discussion: You will meet the anesthesiologist to discuss sedation options—local block, IV sedation ("twilight"), or general anesthesia—depending on the complexity of your surgery and your comfort.
4
During the Surgery
- Positioning & Comfort: You'll lie comfortably on the operating table. Monitors will track your vital signs throughout.
- What You May Feel: With IV sedation or local anesthesia, you may feel pressure but no sharp pain. If under general anesthesia, you will be asleep the entire time.
- Duration: Most retina surgeries take 1–2 hours, though more complex cases may run longer.
5
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
- Recovery Monitoring: You'll be moved to a recovery area where nurses watch your vitals and comfort.
- Initial Visual Experience: Vision is often blurred; you may see light, color, or a gas bubble if placed during surgery.
6
Going Home
- Discharge Criteria: You'll need to tolerate liquids, have stable vitals, and minimal nausea before leaving.
- Eye Protection: You may leave with an eye patch or clear shield—wear this as directed to protect the surgical eye.
- Medications & Instructions: You'll receive a prescription for eye drops (antibiotics, steroids) and pain relievers, plus a written instruction sheet.
7
The First 24–48 Hours
- Positioning (if Gas/Oil Used): If a gas or oil bubble was placed, follow head-positioning instructions closely to help reattach your retina.
- Activity: Rest with your head elevated; avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, or strenuous activity.
- Comfort Measures: Use over-the-counter pain relief as needed, ice packs over the brow area to reduce swelling.
8
Warning Signs & When to Call Us
Contact our office right away if you experience:
- Sudden, severe eye pain
- A sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light
- A curtain-like shadow over your vision
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
Ready to Schedule or Have Questions?
Our friendly team is ready to help. Contact us today for expert retina care.