Your appointment
No. We accept patients with or without a referral from another doctor. When you call to schedule, our scheduling team will ask a few brief questions about your symptoms to make sure your concern is likely to be a retinal issue. In some cases — for example, complaints that don't appear retinal — we may suggest you see your regular eye doctor first. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage; we recommend checking with your plan.
A first retinal visit typically runs one to three hours. The time covers registration, a workup with one of our technicians, dilation (which takes 10 to 30 minutes to take effect), the doctor's examination, and any imaging or in-office procedures you may need. Follow-up visits are usually shorter.
Yes. Your eyes will be dilated, which makes safe driving difficult. We strongly recommend a driver, especially for your first visit and any visit where you may receive an injection or laser treatment.
The retina is subject to true emergencies — retinal detachments, dense vitreous hemorrhages, infections — that we sometimes need to fit in same-day. We make every effort to keep on schedule, but when a patient needs urgent treatment, we treat the most acute problem first. Thank you for your patience.
After an intravitreal injection
We have a dedicated patient guide that answers common questions about what to expect after an intravitreal injection — including activity, showering, vision changes, and when to call the office.
Before surgery
Yes, except in emergencies. All patients need medical clearance from their primary care physician well in advance of scheduled surgery. Without adequate clearance, surgery may need to be rescheduled.
Sometimes. Depending on the procedure and your medical history, the anesthesia team will either see you in person or arrange a phone interview ahead of your surgery date.
You will be told in advance if any of your medications need to be stopped or held — for example, blood thinners or certain diabetes medications. Do not stop any medication on your own; we will give you specific instructions based on your surgery and your medical history.
Unless you are told otherwise, do not eat or drink anything (other than a sip of water with required medications) after midnight the night before surgery.
The day of surgery
Our surgical cases are performed at Crouse Hospital and the Specialty Surgery Center of Central New York, both in Syracuse. We will let you know in advance which location your surgery is scheduled at.
On average, retinal surgeries last one to two hours. The exact duration depends on the procedure and what is being treated.
Most retinal surgeries are performed using local anesthesia with sedation — meaning you are comfortable, relaxed, and pain-free, but not fully under general anesthesia. Some procedures or patient situations require general anesthesia; your surgeon will discuss this with you.
Most patients go home within two hours of surgery.
No. You will be given medications that impair driving, and you will not be released without a driver. Please arrange a ride home in advance.
After surgery
You will be seen the day after surgery. At that visit, we will review your eye drops and any specific activity restrictions. Most patients are then seen approximately one week later, with several additional visits over the first two months after surgery.
This varies by procedure. In general, most patients can return to non-strenuous activities — reading, light walking, driving — within one to two weeks. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions based on your surgery and how you are healing.
Recovery and gas bubbles
Some retinal surgeries (vitrectomy for retinal detachment or macular hole) require placing a gas bubble in the eye. The bubble holds the retina in position while it heals. It is gradually absorbed by the body over several weeks.
Two to eight weeks, depending on the type of gas used. Vision will be blurred while the gas is present and clears as the bubble shrinks and absorbs.
Some surgeries require head positioning afterward — sometimes face-down — to keep the gas bubble against the right part of the retina. You will not need to position for the entire duration of the gas bubble. Your surgeon will let you know if this applies to you and for how long.
No. Air travel is not permitted while a gas bubble is present in the eye. Cabin pressure changes can cause the bubble to expand dangerously. Wait until the bubble has fully absorbed.