After treatment.

Use prescribed drops and any eye protection as directed. Arrange transport home and follow the team’s advice about washing, exercise, work and driving. Vision can fluctuate as the eye settles, and glasses may need updating later.

Some mild irritation can occur. Increasing pain, worsening sight or increasing redness needs prompt assessment rather than waiting for the planned review.

Check your positioning instructions, drop schedule and first follow-up appointment before leaving hospital. Ask how much help you may need at home and when you may return to work or drive.

If you have gas in the eye, do not fly or go to high altitude, and do not receive nitrous oxide, until your surgeon confirms the gas has gone. Gas duration varies; a calendar estimate alone is not clearance to fly. Carry information about your gas bubble and tell other health professionals.

Vision can remain blurred while the bubble is present, and the retina may take months to recover. Silicone oil may require later removal and has different instructions. Contact the team for increasing pain or a decline in vision.

The eye may feel mildly gritty or watery, and a small blood spot on the white of the eye can occur. Brief blur or small spots may also occur. Follow the instructions given for your specific treatment.

Increasing pain, increasing redness, light sensitivity or worsening vision requires urgent contact with the treating team. If the clinic is unavailable, seek urgent ophthalmic assessment. Do not assume worsening symptoms are a normal part of recovery.

Keep the planned follow-up even if vision seems unchanged. If transport, illness or another issue affects attendance, call the practice to discuss the next step.

• Wash your hands before use.
• Avoid touching the bottle tip against the eye, lashes or fingers.
• Use the prescribed drop and schedule; do not restart old drops without advice.
• Leave a gap between different drops as advised by your clinician or pharmacist.
• Ask for help if you cannot use the bottle comfortably or are unsure of the instructions.