After Care for Minor Eye Surgery
After Care for Minor Eye Surgery
Patient Information
Ophthalmology Services
- Author ID: LC
- Leaflet ref: Ophth 008
- Leaflet Ref: Version 5
- Leaflet title: After Care for Minor Eye Surgery
- Last review: December 2025
- Expiry Date: December 2027
Following your minor surgery
- Expect some numbness to the operated area which will ease over approximately the next 2 hours.
- Your vision is likely to be blurred for a few hours after your operation it is not advisable for you to drive home.
- Blood stained tears are normal for a few days after surgery. You will be given some sterile swabs to take home. Please use these rather than tissues.
- If you experience any discomfort, taking pain relief such as that used for a headache is often beneficial.
- The eye area may be bruised and swollen; this may take 2 to 3 weeks to settle. If this is expected, the nursing staff will provide a pack which can be frozen at home and used as an ice pack to be held over the affected area for short periods over the first 48 hours after your operation.
- Bathe the eye area as necessary with cooled boiled water and cotton wool from the inside corner of the eye outwards. You will be provided with a pack to use on the first morning after your operation.
- Apply any treatment you may have been prescribed to the wound as directed, ointment/drops can cause blurred vision please do not drive immediately after applying your treatment.
- If you have sutures (stitches) these are normally absorbable and will take around 8 to 10 days to dissolve. If they need to be removed this will be done at your outpatient appointment. Stitches may cause some mild discomfort for a few days. Please keep the wound area clean and dry.
A follow up appointment for this procedure is not always necessary, if you do require an appointment, one will be posted to you.
Contact details
If you experience any problems, please contact:
Boston House Eye Unit telephone 01942 822244 or your own GP.