SurgeryWatch pain, pressure, and vision changes
After Scleral Buckle Surgery
General recovery guidance after scleral buckle surgery.
Medical disclaimer
This guidance is general patient education. Always follow the specific instructions given by your own surgeon or eye doctor — they take priority over anything on this page.
Do
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.
- Use your prescribed drops exactly as directed.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
- Ask when you can return to work, driving, and swimming.
Don't
- Do not rub the eye.
- Do not press on the eye.
- Do not skip prescribed drops.
- Do not let water or soap enter the eye.
- Do not do heavy lifting or strenuous activity unless your surgeon says it is safe.
About your eye drops
- Use your eye drops on schedule.
- Do not let the eye drop bottle tip touch your eyelashes, eyelids, eye surface, fingers, skin, or any surface. Touching the bottle tip can contaminate the drops.
Water & washing
- Follow the clinic’s instructions for washing and showering.
- Do not let water enter the eye until your surgeon says it is safe.
Normal things you may notice
- Mild to moderate pain or discomfort
- Redness
- Mild swelling around the eye
- Temporary blurry vision or mild double vision
Warning signs — contact the clinic urgently
- Severe pain
- Sudden vision loss
- Increasing redness
- Unusual discharge
- Nausea or headache with eye pain
When to call the clinic
- If vision suddenly gets worse.
- If severe pain or nausea develops.
- If redness or discharge increases.
- If the eye seems worse than expected or pressure feels high.
Have questions about your eyes?
This information is general education and does not replace a professional eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes, book an appointment.