Retinal Detachment Repair Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for retinal detachment repair: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Eye Drop Schedule
- •Set alarms for eye drop times
- •Complete the full course even if eyes feel fine
- •Store drops as directed (some need refrigeration)
Positioning Compliance
- •Face-down positioning helps the gas bubble hold the retina in place
- •Take breaks only as allowed by your surgeon
- •This is the most important factor in successful healing
Retinal Detachment Repair recovery, day by day
Eye Protection
- Wear the protective eye shield as directed (especially while sleeping)
- Do NOT rub or press on your eye
- Your vision may be blurry initially; this is expected
- You may need to maintain a specific head position (face-down); follow surgeon's instructions exactly
Eye Drops
- Start prescribed eye drops as directed (usually antibiotic + anti-inflammatory)
- Wait 5 minutes between different eye drops
- Do NOT touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface
- Wash hands thoroughly before applying drops
Activity Restrictions
- No bending over at the waist (bend at the knees instead)
- No heavy lifting (>10 lbs) or straining
- No swimming, hot tubs, or getting water directly in the eye
- Continue positioning as instructed (this is critical for healing)
What to Expect
- Mild redness, scratchiness, and tearing are normal
- Continue all eye drops on schedule
- Do NOT wear eye makeup for 1-2 weeks
- Avoid dusty or smoky environments
Continued Recovery
- Continue eye drops as prescribed until completed
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Resume normal activities gradually as cleared
- Avoid air travel until gas bubble has absorbed (if applicable)
When to call your provider or 911
- •Sudden loss of vision or dramatic decrease in vision
- •Sudden increase in floaters or flashing lights
- •Severe eye pain not relieved by prescribed drops or medication
- •Increasing redness (not improving)
- •Pus or thick discharge from the eye
- •Loss of the dark shadow/curtain in your vision
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 1
First post-op check
Surgeon evaluates initial healing
- Day 7
Activity restrictions ease
Gradually resume light activities
- Day 30
Follow-up evaluation
Detailed exam to assess healing progress
- Day 60
Expected recovery
Complete healing confirmed
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
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