Retinal Eye Surgery Recovery – What to Expect, What to Do

Approximately 8 out of 10 retinal detachment cases are successfully treated by a single surgery. In the remaining cases, another surgery is needed since the retina becomes detached again. The retinal eye surgery recovery rate overall is 95%.

Whether retinal eye surgery recovery involves the return of vision or not depends on the location and severity of the detachment, not on the success of the retinal surgery.

For example, if the macula is the part that becomes detached, there is a very small chance for full vision to return, since the macula is the retinal part responsible for central vision.

The best assurance of a 100% retinal eye surgery recovery in your case is for your ophthalmologist to spot a weak or damaged retina at the first sign of trouble. Weak points in the retina are visible through eye exams.

What to expect during retinal eye surgery recovery.

After retinal surgery, the eye that was operated on will be covered with a pad or shield, which is generally left for, at least, 24 hours.

When the pad or shield is removed, the eye will appear swollen and red. Some patients are kept in the hospital overnight or, sometimes, longer.

Some complications have been noted in retinal surgery patients, such as:

• Infection


• Bleeding of the vitreous (the gelatinous substance in the eye)


• Cataract formation


• Glaucoma


• Excessive scar tissue

There have also been cases of vision or eye loss.

General pointers for retinal eye surgery recovery.

Your surgeon will give you instructions on proper care post-surgery, foremost of which will be to avoid touching, pressing, or rubbing the eye that was operated on. You may also need to wear an eye patch or shield at night during retinal eye surgery recovery.

Expect soreness in your eye for a month or two after retinal surgery. If you feel grittiness in your eye, ignore it. This is a normal occurrence due to the tiny stitches your surgeon used.

Do not panic if your vision is blurry for a long time after retinal surgery. It may take anywhere from three months to half a year for your vision to display any signs of improvement.

There is also a possibility that your eye may water a lot and you may feel general discomfort. Your surgeon may prescribe medication for any of these bothersome symptoms. You may also be given medication for speedier retinal eye surgery recovery.

You will also be cautioned against engaging in any vigorous or strenuous physical activity in the weeks following surgery.

Most importantly, depending on the type of surgery you underwent, you will be given instructions on how to position your head, especially when resting or sleeping. You may also have to purchase special devices to keep your head in the correct position throughout the night or improvise with pillows and blankets.

A final word of caution: Continue with your follow-ups and do not miss any of them. If you experience intense pain, see your doctor immediately.