Retinal surgery requires a structured follow‑up schedule to check healing, positioning of any gas or oil, and retinal attachment. Appointment timing depends on the procedure and underlying condition.
Early Follow-Up
The first weeks focus on stability and complication detection.
- Many patients are reviewed the day after surgery and then several times within the first 2-4 weeks.
- Each visit typically includes checks of vision, eye pressure, front‑of‑eye healing, and the status of the retina and any gas bubble.
- Positioning instructions, drops, and activity restrictions may be adjusted based on these findings.
- Unscheduled visits are arranged urgently if symptoms such as increasing pain, flashes, floaters, or a shadow occur.
Long-Term Monitoring
Ongoing reviews support lasting retinal health.
- Once stable, appointments may move to every few months, then annually, depending on the original problem and risk of recurrence.
- Retinal imaging such as OCT and fundus photographs are often used to document the macula and peripheral retina over time.
- Associated conditions like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration continue to require disease‑specific monitoring.
- Patients should return promptly if they notice new floaters, flashes, distortion, or loss of vision between routine visits.
