Patient Instructions: Cryotherapy

If you have undergone Cryotherapy treatment, please carefully read the following instructions:

Once you leave our institute, your recovery will be primarily your responsibility. Please refer to your “Discharge Instructions” for your specific guidelines.

Following your cryotherapy treatment the eye is generally patched for a couple of hours. After the procedure is performed, vision may be blurred briefly, and some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort can be expected. This can usually be eased with acetaminophen (Tylenol), though in some cases a stronger pain reliever may be required. Cold compresses applied to the eyelids can also relieve some of the discomfort. Healing typically takes 10–14 days. You should avoid exercising for at least 2 weeks following your surgery.

Please avoid heavy lifting–anything more than 20 pounds. Avoid any strenuous activity that requires straining–making the veins in your neck stand out.

If the physician placed a gas bubble in combination with your cryotherapy treatment for retinal detachment repair, please carefully follow these instructions:

The bubble serves as a “splint” to help hold the surgically repaired retina in place until it has had a chance to form a firm reattachment. While you are still in the office, the physician will give you specific instructions for positioning “the bubble on the trouble”, to ensure the best outcome.

The gas bubble is gradually absorbed and, in most cases, it will be significantly diminished in 3 to 4 weeks. Because the gas is expandable at high altitudes, causing potential hazards, you will not be allowed to fly or travel to high altitudes until the gas bubble is completely absorbed. This usually takes a minimum of six (6) weeks. As the bubble decreases in size, you may see the edge of the bubble as a shadow in the lower field of your vision. This is no cause for alarm.
It is better to refrain from driving until your vision has improved.

When can I go back to work?

If you have a “sit-down” type job, you may return to work approximately fourteen (14) days after surgery, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. If you have any doubts about your ability to resume work, discuss this with your physician.

An occurrence of rapidly increasing pain is not normal. If this should happen please call us immediately at 310 944-9393 and your doctor will be paged immediately.