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Discharge advice

Information for patients

Eye Day Unit

Please follow these simple instructions to promote a full recovery

  • When you get home, rest for the remainder of the day.

  • Your shield should remain in place until the following morning.

  • If your shield should come off please replace it.
    You can use ordinary sellotape to fix it in place. Do not replace the eye dressing

  • If you have any discomfort, take your usual painkillers.

Rarely, patients suffer nausea and, or vomiting first night following surgery.
If this occurs, please contact the ward between 8:00am and 9:00am.

  • It is normal to experience irritation or discomfort and for your eye to water.
    However, if this is excessive or you have increased pain or loss of vision, please contact the ward between 8.00am and 9.00am.
  • On the first morning after operation, remove your shield.
    If your eye lids are slightly sticky, use some cooled boiled water to gently bathe the eye.
  • You must meet the DVLA guidelines to drive (you must be able to read the number plate at 20.5 metres).
  • Wear your plastic shield at night for one week.
    This prevents you damaging your eye whilst sleeping.
  • Wear your glasses or sunglasses to protect your eye during the day.
  • Use clean paper tissues to dab underneath your eye.
    Do not use your handkerchief.
  • Do not go to the swimming baths for at least four weeks.
  • Your own GP will be informed about your operation.
  • An outpatient’s appointment will be sent to your home address.
  • Please use your eye drops as directed
  • If you do not understand anything in this leaflet, please ask a nurse in the ward for advice or explanation.
Pain following cataract surgery is unusual. If you have severe pain, especially with loss of vision, please contact the Eye Day Unit or Eye Casualty. Out of hours attend The James Cook Hospital emergency department as soon possible.

Contact us

If you have any problems please contact:

• Eye day unit on 01642 854556

• Eye casualty on 01642 854096

Patient experience

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.

This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.

To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.

T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]

The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
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