After Your Surgery
The instructions below are provided to patients as general guidelines. Your physician may also provide instructions specific to the procedure being performed. 

• You will be taken to the recovery area. You will be offered a light refreshment and snack. 

• It is your responsibility to make advance arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. You may not drive yourself, be left alone, or leave the facility in public transportation unless accompanied by an adult.

• You will receive written instructions for your care that may include activity, medication, and your follow-up appointment with the surgeon’s contact information.

• Plan to be in a recovery area for 15 to 30 minutes following surgery.

• Do not drive, smoke, drink alcoholic beverages or operate machinery for 24 hours, or sign important papers following surgery.

• You will  be discharged to your car by wheelchair.  If anesthesia has been administered, you must have a responsible adult present to drive you home and to care for you following surgery. 

• You will be required to follow-up with your surgeon post operatively to check on your progress and discuss any questions you may have.

• If you  have any unexpected problems, please call the exchange listed on your discharge instructions or your surgeon's office.  If you are unable to reach them, please go to the nearest emergency room.

You are encouraged to share your experience at St. Louis Eye Surgery and Laser Center with us.  Please refer to our Patient Satisfaction Survey to fill out and submit the questionnaire.

This facility does not provide after hours care, or emergency care. If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
 
Signs & Symptoms of Eye Infection

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Inflammation? 

•   It is normal to feel a burning irritation and watering for a few days after surgery.

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Infection? ·       

•  Worsening eye pain that is not controlled with Tylenol ·       
•   Light sensitivity 
•   A marked decrease in vision
•   Worsening redness of the eye

Please notify your Physician immediately if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of
​Eye infection

How to Avoid Eye Infections
Here are some ways to prevent the spread of eye infections:

• Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes or face and before and after using medicine in your eyes
• Do not share eye makeup
• Do not share contact lens equipment, containers, or solutions
• Do not share eye medicine
• Do not share towels, linens, pillows, or handkerchiefs. Use clean linens, towels, and washcloths daily
• Wear eye protection when in the wind, heat, or cold to prevent eye irritation

• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals
• Avoid exposing your eyes to contaminated water