It is important that you do not eat or drink as instructed by your doctor.  This is usually 6 to 8 hours before any surgical operation.

If you feel in any way unsure about this please do not hesitate to contact the hospital for advice.  This requirement is very important as any food or drink remaining in your stomach prior to any operation can cause serious danger for you.  If there is vomiting under anaesthesia.  Parents please be very careful with young children.

Remember to take your blood pressure and heart medications with a sip of water when you wake.  Omit all other medications.

On the day of Surgery

1. Wear comfortable unrestrictive clothing
2. Remove all nail polish and make up.
3. Shower or bathe the morning of your operation.
4. Remove all jewellery except your wedding ring.
5. Bring all medications you are currently taking in their original containers.
6. Should you have any symptoms of the flu, a cold, a cold sore or a red eye, please contact your doctor or the NSW Eye Centre.
7. Your Surgery may have to be postponed for your safety.

Children should be closely observed while fasting to ensure that they do not eat or
drink.

What to bring – All patients

• Our hospital / medical benefits fund card
• X-rays
• Recent blood test results
• Medicare card
• All medications currently being taken in their original packaging

Paediatric Patients (children)
Parents are encouraged to stay with their children during admission.

After Your Operation
You will be wearing an eye pad overnight.  This will be removed in the doctors rooms the following morning.

Your eye dressing must be kept clean and dry at all times.  Do not rub your eye.

You will be using eye drops after the operation.  Remember to wash your hands with soap and water before instilling eye drops or after any activity where your hands become dirty e.g. gardening, using the toilet or blowing your nose.

You will be provided with a light meal prior to discharge.

Post Operative Plan
You may experience a gritty sensation in the operated eye.  This is due to irritation of the eye after surgery.  The discomfort will gradually ease.

We recommend you take paracetamol (panadol, panamax, herron or panadeine) these are all suitable for pain relief after your operation.

If after taking pain relief medication, your eye remains very painful, please contact your doctor immediately.

Posturing after Retinal Surgery
Your surgeon may require you to posture in a certain way; he will explain this further, after your operation.