Most glaucoma surgeries are done to relieve pressure inside the eye and, on average, they take 45 minutes to an hour to complete. You can normally return home a few hours after the operation, but you will not be able to drive yourself due to the effects of the medications used in the procedure. For at least one day, you will have to rely on your vision in one eye only, because your surgeon will place a patch over the operated eye to protect it. Although this patch is typically removed during a follow-up visit the next day, your vision in the affected eye will be blurred for several days or a few weeks.
During the recovery process, you should wear a form of eye protection at all times. Most of your regular activities can be resumed shortly after the procedure, but significant exertion such as running or jumping must be avoided. Further, you should not lift anything heavy for at least the first week after your surgery. While bathing, make sure you wear a shield to protect your eye and do not bend forward for any prolonged period of time. Avoid washing your face. Rather, gently remove matter from around your eye with a warm washcloth. In most cases, you will be able to return to work within a few weeks.
