You will be given detailed instructions after your surgery that are specific to your eye’s needs. In general, the following guidelines apply. The plastic shield should be worn while sleeping for one or more weeks after surgery to protect the eye. While outside during the day, sunglasses should be worn to protect the eye from the sun and wind. For the first few weeks, avoid strenuous activities (running, lifting more than 10 lbs), bending, rubbing the eye, wearing eye makeup, and swimming. There are no restrictions in reading, watching TV, using your phone, tablet device, computer, etc.
Most patients will be asked to use steroid and antibiotic eye drops. Your doctor will tell you which drops to continue using and how often at each visit depending on how your eye is doing. You will see your doctor the first day after surgery, about a week later, and a few weeks after that. Depending on how your eye heals, additional or fewer visits may be needed.
The first few days after surgery, vision may be worse than it was before surgery. This will improve over one to two weeks, although it can sometimes take longer. The eye that was not operated on will not be affected, and may be depended on for vision during the recovery period. Depending on your job and your other eye, you should be able to return to work within a few days to a few weeks. Limitations in physical activities at work may be needed.
After surgery, your eye may be sore, and it may feel like there is something in it, like an eyelash. The drops may burn when you put them in, and your eye may water or tear a lot. These symptoms are common but usually are mild, and improve for most people after few days. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a good option unless you are unable to take this medication. If your eye has severe pain or sudden worsening pain or vision after surgery, please call our office or on call physician immediately.
For more information, please visit:
American Academy of Ophthalmology patient information
American Glaucoma Society patient information
CPC is an outpatient procedure in the operating room. You will receive ‘twilight’ anesthesia allowing you to be comfortable for the procedure. A local numbing medication may be injected around the eye. The laser probe, which looks like a small pen, is then placed on the white part of the eye, towards the ciliary body. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.