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Surgery and Injection Care

Retinal Surgery

  • To prepare for your procedure, please do not eat 8 hours prior to surgery. You may drink clear liquids (water, apple juice, clear broth) up to 6 hours prior to surgery. Please arrive at the surgery center 1 hour prior to your scheduled surgery time and expect to be there for 3-4 hours. Please arrange for a driver to transport you home following your procedure who will also be responsible for signing your discharge papers.

  • After surgery, the surgeon will provide post-operative instructions to the patient and family.  Eye drops or other medications may be prescribed. The day after surgery, patients are seen at their ophthalmologist’s office where the patch is removed, and the eye is examined.  Post-operative instructions and activity restrictions will be reviewed.

 

  • NOTE: Most retina surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis.

Vitrectomy

During a vitrectomy,  the retina specialist will remove the vitreous body and replace it with fluid  or gas depending on the retinal diagnosis. During a vitrectomy for retinal detachment,  fluid from under the retina may be drained. If gas or air was used to replace the vitreous body, a bubble will be visible for 2-3 weeks as the eye replaces the air/gas with aqueous humor, the fluid in the front of the eye. In the case of a complex retinal detachment, silicon oil may be used in place of air or gas to replace the vitreous. The silicon oil will remain in the eye until the retina has healed and is stable, at which point the retina specialist will surgically remove the oil. Additional procedures such as membrane peeling or laser may be performed alongside a vitrectomy.

Scleral Buckles

Your ophthalmologist may choose to place a scleral buckle, a specialized elastic band, around the eye during a retinal detachment repair. A scleral buckle provides support to the retina and is used to flatten and re-attach the retina. Scleral buckles are typically permanent.

Surgery Center Locations

Foothills Surgery Center in Boulder

First floor of the Anderson Medical Center

720.441.5757

Longmont United Hospital - Day Surgery

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303.651.5111

Post Intravitreal Injection Instructions

Please follow these instructions after eye injections:

 

  • Do not rub your eye after treatment.

  • It is common to experience irritation similar to ‘sand in the eye’ which is related to the Betadine used to prep the eye.

  • For mild to moderate pain or irritation, an over-the-counter pain reliever (i.e. ibuprofen) can be used.

  • Over the counter preservative free artificial tears, also known as lubricating drops, can be helpful in alleviating irritation.

  • Do not wear contacts for 3-4 days.

  • No swimming for 5 days.

  • It is okay to shower and wash your face. Keep your eyes closed to avoid getting water or soap in your eyes.

 

The following symptoms are COMMON:

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  • Blurry vision

  • Tearing

  • Mild floaters or bubbles in your vision

  • Mild to moderate discomfort or irritation

  • Gritty, “Sand in the eye” sensation

  • Redness (sometimes this can cover the entire white part of the eye and last a few weeks)

  • Bloody tears for 1 - 2 days after treatment

 

The following symptoms are NOT NORMAL and are reason to call our office immediately:

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  • Severe, constant pain

  • Worsening pain after the first day

  • Significant decrease in vision

  • Severe increase in floaters

  • Curtain or veil in your vision

 

Please contact our office with any questions or concerns at 303.900.8507.

 

Follow-up care is very important. Be sure to keep your scheduled appointment.

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