What
can I do?
Immediately
following laser prophylaxis plan to spend the rest of the day
relaxing at home. If you had sedation or have taken pain
medication, you will want to have someone keep you company for
the remainder of the day. You may do anything you feel like doing
but avoid driving or operating machinery for the next 12 hours
if you have used pain medication or were sedated.
How
long do I wear my patch?
The
soft cotton patch is to protect your eye from accidental injury
while it remains numb. You can remove the patch about six hours
after the anesthetic injection, when the feeling returns.
What
is normal postoperative discomfort?
Many
people have very little postoperative discomfort. You
may use over-the-counter non-aspirin analgesics (Tylenol, etc.)
to relieve any discomfort that you might have within the
first twenty-four hours. More serious pain is unusual
but if you experience unrelieved pain, please call your physician.
How
do I use my drops?
The
best method for using drops is to follow the " pouch technique".
Lean your head back or lie down. Pull your lower lid
down to form a pocket or "pouch". Look up.
Put one drop into the pouch, being careful not to touch
the top of the bottle to the eye, eyelids or eyelashes.
Keep your
eye closed for one full minute following the drops. Allow at least
one minute between each drop if you are using more than one eye
drop. Always wash your hands before and after using drops.
Avoid contaminating
the bottle tips. Bring your medications with you to the
office each visit. Continue to use your medications
until instructed to stop by your doctor. Resume any eye medications
you were using before surgery unless instructed otherwise
by your doctor.
What can I expect about my vision?
You
probably will not notice any difference in your vision. The
first day or two after surgery your may experience some slight
blurring or haziness but that should clear quickly if you have
these symptoms. The laser cerclage procedure will
cause a loss of vision in your extreme side vision. Your
side or peripheral is what allows you to see shapes of to the
side. Your peripheral vision does not provide color vision
or detail vision whether or not it has been treated. Most
people never notice the loss of their side vision after treatment.
We encourage
you to check your vision regularly and inform your physician if
you experience any decrease in your vision.
When
can I go back to work?
Providing
you are feeling well and recovered from any of the effects of
medications/anesthesia you may return to work the day after your
surgery.
