Right After Surgery
These symptoms are common and usually improve over the first few days:
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Light sensitivity
- Redness and swelling
- Gritty or foreign-body sensation
- Foggy or "underwater" vision
Go home, rest, and keep your eyes closed as much as possible the first day.
Pain Control
- You may take Tylenol or another non-aspirin pain reliever as needed, unless otherwise instructed.
- If you were prescribed stronger pain medication (e.g. Percocet, Neurontin, Norco), use it only as directed.
Eye Drops & Ointment Schedule
Ointment (Maxitrol / Tobradex)
- Apply a small amount in the operated eye(s).
- 3 times per day for about 7 days (or as directed).
Steroid Drops
Your doctor will choose one of these schedules:
- Prednisolone / Pred Forte:
- 4×/day for 7 days
- 3×/day for 7 days
- 2×/day for 7 days
- 1×/day until the bottle is finished
- OR Durezol / Inveltys:
- 2×/day for 14 days
- then 1×/day for 14 days
Artificial Tears
- Use preservative-free artificial tears as needed for dryness or irritation.
- Especially helpful during the first 2-4 weeks.
⚠️ Do not touch the tip of the bottle to your eye or lashes.
Recovery Timeline
-
Day 0 — Surgery Day
- Vision is usually foggy or hazy.
- Eyes may burn, water, or feel gritty.
- Rest and keep your eyes closed as much as possible.
- Wear sunglasses on the way home and outdoors.
-
Days 1-3
- Light sensitivity is common.
- Redness and swelling begin to settle.
- Continue all drops exactly as directed.
- Wear your eye shield at night for the first 3 nights to avoid rubbing your eye while asleep.
- If your eyelids stick in the morning, do not force them open. Use a warm compress, then gently blink.
-
Days 4-7
- Irritation should be clearly improving.
- Vision usually continues to get clearer.
- Finish your antibiotic course and follow the steroid taper.
-
Weeks 2-3
- Redness and swelling continue to decrease.
- Continue the steroid drops according to your schedule.
- Still no swimming, hot tubs, or ocean water.
-
Months 1-3
- Residual mild redness is normal and gradually fades.
- Keep using artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or irritated.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors every day to protect the eye and reduce recurrence risk.
Important Do's and Don'ts
✓ Do
- Use all drops and ointments exactly as prescribed.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors for at least 3 months.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears as needed.
- Keep follow-up appointments as scheduled.
✗ Do Not
- Do not rub or press on your eyes.
- Do not swim, use hot tubs, or get into ocean water for 3 weeks.
- Do not sunbathe or seek intense direct sun, especially in the first few weeks.
- Do not let soap or water get directly into your eyes in the first week.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact the office immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Sudden severe pain not relieved by medication
- Rapid worsening of redness or swelling
- Sudden drop in vision or a "black curtain" effect
- Thick discharge or pus from the eye
Need to Reach Us?
Our team is here to support your recovery