After surgery
An eyepatch or protector will be placed over your eye that underwent surgery and you will be transferred to the recovery room where you can rest until you are ready to leave. It is important to arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you and help you get back home after the surgery.

Recovery
Your eye may be swollen, red, painful or itchy for a few days, you will start to see better as it recovers. Follow all the instructions given to you by your doctor:

Checkups: You will have several checkup appointments with your doctor, do not miss any of them.
Eye protection: You will be given an eye protector to use when sleeping.
Medication: Be sure to take your medication and anything else prescribed by your ophthalmologist and use eye drops. Eye drops are important for proper healing, they prevent infections and decrease the edema and inflammation.
Instructions: Follow the instructions given to you by your ophthalmologist.

Tips for a Safe Recovery
Your ophthalmologist will ask you to follow these instructions while your eye is healing:

• Do not scratch or rub the eye.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Avoid bending down (this increases intraocular pressure).
• Do not lift heavy objects, this also increases intraocular pressure.
• Do not wash your hair until your doctor tells you to.
• Do not drive until your vision improves and your eye doctor tells you to.

How to put in eye drops
• Before putting in eye drops, wash your hands.
• Sit, lie down or tilt your head backwards.
• Pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger.
• Look up and apply a drop into the pouch of the lower eyelid. Remember not to blink or touch your eye or face with the dropper tip.
• Close your eyes and press the inner corner of your eye for 2-3 minutes.
• If you use several different types of drops, wait about 5 minutes between each application.

After any kind of procedure, you should consult your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Worsening of vision.
• Severe pain.
• Swelling and redness that do not improve.
• Eye discharge.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Your quality of vision deteriorates.

After treatment or surgery, you will probably be advised to use eyeglasses, it is important to always take care of your eyes, visit your ophthalmologist regularly and consult your doctor if you notice any changes in your vision.

Remember ….
• Visit your ophthalmologist regularly. Once your illness is controlled, you will usually need to see your doctor 3-4 times a year.
• Use your medication exactly as indicated.
• Seek support from family and friends.