Surgical FAQ's

Will I need to see my primary care physician before surgery?

Yes. Except in emergencies, all patients need medical clearance by their physicians well in advance of scheduled surgeries. Without adequate clearance, surgeries are canceled.

Will I meet with the anesthesiologist before surgery?

Someone in the anesthesia department will see you, or an anesthesia phone interview will be arranged prior to your surgery.

How long is surgery?

This depends on the nature of the surgery. On average, surgeries last 1-2 hours.

Do I stay overnight in the hospital?

Most patients go home within 2 hours after surgery.

Can I drive to and from the hospital on the day of surgery?

You cannot drive after surgery. You will be given medications, which impair driving, so you will not be allowed to leave the hospital without a driver.

When will I be seen at the office after surgery?

You will be seen the day after surgery. At that time, specific instructions regarding your drops and any restrictions will be reviewed. You will often be seen approximately 1 week later and several times thereafter during the first 2 months after surgery.

Can I eat before surgery?

Unless told otherwise by our office you should not eat or drink anything (other than a sip of water) after midnight of the day before your surgery.

Do I take all of my medicines the day of surgery?

This should be reviewed by your primary care physician and/or during the anesthesia interview. In general, you will take all important medications (for high blood pressure, etc) with a sip of water the morning of surgery. Medications for diabetes may be stopped or the dose lowered the day of surgery. Blood thinners (Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin) are generally stopped by your primary care physician well in advance of surgery.

Do I continue my eye drops before and after surgery?

If you use glaucoma drops, these can be used the day of surgery. In most cases, these will be continued after surgery. If you use artificial tears, these typically will not be needed in the operative eye for several weeks after surgery.

Will I be on new eye drops after surgery?

You will be on drops for 2-4 weeks after surgery. Prescriptions and instructions for use will be given before and/or after surgery.

Is there pain after surgery?

This depends on the nature of the surgery, but typically this is mild. For most surgeries, Tylenol or an equivalent analgesic is sufficient the night after surgery and thereafter.

Is my eye patched after surgery?

Yes, overnight only. After that, a patch generally is not needed.

What restrictions are there after surgery?

This depends on the nature of the surgery. In general, most patients can resume non-strenuous activities (reading, driving) within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will review this after your surgery is completed.

Will I have a gas bubble in my eye after surgery?

Intraocular gas is primarily used during vitrectomy surgeries for repair of retinal detachments and macular holes.

If a gas bubble is used, how long will it last?

2-8 weeks, depending on the nature of the gas used. You will not need to position for the entire duration of the gas bubble. Your surgeon will inform you if you need to maintain any special position after surgery.

What about positioning after surgery?

Positioning is important only for certain types of surgeries, primarily those for repair of retinal detachments and macular holes.