Ambulatory Surgery Discharge Instructions (Eye Patients)

Emergency Telephone
(617) 573-3431

General Instructions

USE ONLY STERILE DROPS IN YOUR OPERATED EYE.

Wash hands before caring for the eye. If the lids are sticky or itchy in the morning, debris or matter can be gently wiped away with a cotton ball moistened with tap water.

Call immediately, if you have severe pain in the operated eye unrelieved with Tylenol.

First 24 Hours After Cataract Surgery

Medications: Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) 650 mg every four hours as needed for the pain. Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin or Ibuprofen for two days after the surgery. Continue taking regular medications and eye drops in the non-operated eye.

Dressing

• Leave metal shield and eye patch over the operated eye.

Activity

• Do not operate a car, cycle, or machinery for 24 hours after the surgery.
• Do not get water directly in the eye for 1 week after surgery.
• Avoid bending and do not lift objects more than 15 pounds.
• Avoid strenuous or high impact activities.
• Avoid straining for the first week.
• Tape the FOX shield over the operated eye when sleeping, and avoid sleeping on the operated eye for 5 days after the surgery.
• You may comb your hair, brush your teeth, shave, take a bath, watch TV, read, take a walk, ride in a car, and drive (if the fellow eyes sees better than 20/40).

Medications

Week One

2. Use antibiotic drop (ocuflox, Quixin, or Ciloxan) 4 times per day in operated eye.
3. Use steroid drop (Pred Forte, or Econopred) 4 times per day in the operated eye.
4. Use the following drops if it is circled: Acular 4 times per day in the operated eye for months.

Week Two

1. Stop antibiotic drop (Ocuflox, Quixin, or Ciloxan).
2. Use steroid drop (Pred Forte or Econopred) 4 times per day for 1 week.
3. Stop FOX Shield.

Week Three

1. Use steroid drop (Pred Forte or Econopred) 3 times per day in operated eye.

Week Four

1. Use steroid drop (Pred Forte or Econopred) 2 times per day in the operated eye.

Week Five

1. Use steroid drop (Pred Forte or Econopred) 1 time per day in operated eye.

Emergency Telephone
(617) 573-3431

page updated: 9/16/05