When can I shower and wash my hair after a vitrectomy?

General information about typical recovery, not medical advice. Every eye and every surgery is different, and your surgeon's instructions override anything on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

Short answer

Showering from the neck down is usually fine right away. Keep water, soap, and shampoo out of the operated eye until your surgeon says otherwise.

AAO notes that your doctor will have you wear a patch on the eye for a few days to protect it. While the patch or shield is on, keep it dry. Most people shower normally and simply keep the head tilted back so water runs away from the face.

The specific concern is infection. ASRS lists infection among the possible complications of vitrectomy, and it is the reason surgeons ask patients to keep tap water, soap, and shampoo out of the operated eye during early healing.

Positioning complicates hair washing. If you are on face-down instructions, AAO describes leaning forward over a table or using a face cradle, and many patients have someone help wash their hair at a sink while they stay face-down.

AAO and ASRS do not publish an exact day count for hair washing after vitrectomy, so ask your surgeon's office. They usually have a printed handout with their own preference.

When	Typical guidance
First few days	Shower from the neck down. Keep the patch or shield dry and keep water out of the eye.
Hair washing	Lean back or have someone help at a sink so nothing runs into the eye. Ask your surgeon's office for their preferred timing.
Soap and shampoo in the eye	Avoid until your surgeon clears it. ASRS lists infection as a possible complication.

Call your surgeon now if you notice any of these

Pain that keeps increasing, or pain not relieved by your prescribed drops. ASRS notes severe pain is uncommon after vitrectomy unless there is unusual inflammation or high eye pressure
A sudden decrease or loss of vision, or vision that was improving and then clearly gets worse
A new dark shadow or gray curtain moving across any part of your vision
A sudden burst of many new floaters, or new flashing lights, which NEI and AAO list as emergency signs of retinal detachment
Signs of very high eye pressure: a deep hard ache with nausea or vomiting, halos around lights, or severe pain. StatPearls lists raised intraocular pressure as a known complication of gas tamponade
Signs of infection: worsening redness, thick yellow or green discharge, swelling that is getting worse, or increasing pain. ASRS lists infection among the possible complications of vitrectomy
Any time a doctor, dentist, or paramedic is about to give you anesthesia while you still have a gas bubble. Tell them you have intraocular gas and that nitrous oxide must not be used. ASRS states that nitrous gas anesthesia should be strictly avoided when a gas bubble has been used
Any pressure to fly, travel to altitude, or dive before your surgeon has confirmed the bubble is gone. AAO warns this can cause severe pain, permanent vision loss, or even blindness

These warning signs after vitrectomy can point to problems that need same-day care. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. If you cannot reach your surgeon's office, use their on-call line, or go to an emergency room.

Sources: American Society of Retina Specialists; American Academy of Ophthalmology; National Eye Institute (NIH); StatPearls Publishing / NCBI Bookshelf

Sources

What Is Vitrectomy? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Vitrectomy American Society of Retina Specialists. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Positioning After Retinal Surgery American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.

When can I shower and wash my hair after a vitrectomy?

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