An eye infection after surgery is uncommon but serious and always needs urgent assessment.
Recognising possible post-surgery infection
Symptoms may start suddenly or build over a day or two. Trust your instincts if the eye feels very different from the expected healing discomfort.
- Increasing pain rather than gradual improvement
- Marked redness, swelling, or yellow-green discharge
- Rapidly worsening or foggy vision
- Light sensitivity, headache, or feeling generally unwell
What to do if you are worried
Do not wait to see if things settle. Prompt treatment with antibiotics or other medicines can protect vision and prevent complications.
- Contact your surgical team or emergency eye department immediately
- Bring your post-operative eye drops and information leaflet with you
- Avoid driving yourself to the hospital
- Do not stop any prescribed drops unless a clinician advises
