Laser surgery is a common treatment for small holes and tears in the retina. The procedure is done in the office with local anesthesia, and during the treatment, the laser is used to create tiny burns around the retinal tear. The healing that happens after the spot is treated helps prevent the tear from becoming a full-blown retinal detachment. After laser surgery, the healing process takes anywhere from one week to four. It can take up to a full week for the treatment to fully seal the tear, but it’s important to pay attention to anything that can go wrong once it is sealed. In order to make sure that your eye properly heals, it’s also important to limit daily activity and avoid doing anything strenuous for about a month after your surgery. Here are some things to expect after laser surgery for retinal tear:

• Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and floaters are a few examples of eye-light changes that could be noticed following laser treatment for a retinal tear. These side effects are often transient and should disappear a few days after treatment.

• You may have some pain in your eye and your vision may be blurry for a few days after the surgery. Your eye may be swollen, red, or tender for several weeks.

• Sunglasses may be necessary during the day, especially if you aren’t using a protective covering or eye patch. When you are washing your face or showering, be extra careful to not get soap in the eye.

• If your doctor used a gas bubble to flatten your retina during surgery, you may have to keep your head in a certain position for a few days or longer. Your doctor will give you special instructions about this.

• In rare circumstances, laser surgery for retinal tears may result in ocular hemorrhage. Bleeding signs can include sudden changes in eyesight or increasing pain. After the surgery, if you develop any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

• You should continue to monitor your vision and the area where the tear occurred to prevent any long-term vision loss. If you do have any symptoms of vision changes or symptoms of retinal detachment, you want to make sure you speak with your eye surgeon quickly.

It is important to follow your doctors instructions closely and avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting until it is safe to do so.