The results from retinal surgery can make it feel like you have your life back again. Being able to see clearer after a retinal detachment or diabetic retinopathy might make it possible to drive or see your loved one’s face better. While this is great news, you do still have to get over the hump of recovering from surgery. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions for post-operative care, including any restrictions on activities, use of eye drops, and follow-up appointments.
Learn How to Stay Face Down In Various Positions
During certain types of retinal surgery, Brooklyn NY eye specialists place a gas bubble in your eye to help the retina stay in place during your recovery. Eventually, the gas bubble will disappear as fluid begins to refill in your eye, but you’ll need to stay in a face-down position to keep it from moving around until that happens. Staying face down while you eat, walk around, or try to sleep may be difficult, but there are ways to make it easier. For instance, you might be able to rent or buy equipment that has a face cradle or cut-out so that you can eat or watch TV with minimal discomfort.
Arrange for Time Off Work
Most people will need to take two to four weeks off of work, but the amount of time you need to request for leave can vary according to your job duties along with the type of surgery you require. In some cases, you might be able to use digital readers and other forms of technology to complete work tasks in a face-down position, but it might be better to take at least a few days off of work to recover.
Request Help With Household Chores
It can take a few weeks to fully regain your vision, and you might find it hard to maneuver around the house during this time. Sweeping and mopping may also be impossible when you are trying to keep your face pointed in a downward direction. If possible, do a thorough cleaning of your house before your surgery, or appoint someone to help out in the days following your surgery so you aren’t tempted to do things yourself.
Set Up a Medication Schedule
Some people might be given pain medication to support their post-surgical recovery. Others might be directed to use over-the-counter medications, and you’ll want to make sure to follow your eye doctor’s directions. Your eye specialist may also recommend using eye drops several times a day to ease inflammation and prevent infection. Using an alarm system can help you remember to take all of your medication on time.
Rest and Eat Well During Your Recovery
Retinal surgery often uses smaller incisions compared to what you might see with other types of procedures, but that doesn’t mean that your body won’t need time to heal. Try to rest just as much as you would if you’d had major abdominal surgery. Giving your body a break from strenuous activity helps it to direct its energy to heal. Eating nutritious foods also helps your body to have the nutrients it needs to work on your recovery.
The final tip to healing from a retinal surgery is to follow through with your aftercare visits. During your follow-up visit, your eye specialist will assess your healing and check your visual acuity. Once you receive the all-clear, you can go back to your normal activities while making sure to check in regularly on your overall eye health.