Water Exposure After Retinal Surgery

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
How soon can the affected eye be exposed to running water after retinal detachment surgery?     

Answer:
It is typical for surgeons to discourage patients from exposing the eye to running water for 7 to 14 days after retinal detachment surgery. This is predominantly cautionary: the water itself will not damage the eye but we are concerned that the wiping of the eye that may occur from drying the area might disrupt the healing process.

Answered by: Paul Sternberg Jr., MD 

Categories: Eye Surgery

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