I recently had this surgery (Feb 2009) and it is painless and without visual horrors during procedure.

Main anesthetic wears off about 2-3 hours after, so beginning home pain meds early is recommended. Pain primarily from muscle stress at the eye (moving opposite eye will necessitate movement of the operated eye).

You can always find a comfortable position with eyes closed. TV can be stressful for first 2-3 days.

Eye pain subsides in about 3 days. However, it is easy to develop headache pain in relation to the eye stress.

Tylenol is not likely to give adequate relief. Percacet or Demoral definitely help. But you’re usually over the painful part in about a week.

What remains is irritation from soft stitches. A closed eye brings comfort. Opening the eye and trying to see aggravates the feel of the stitches. They resorb anywhere from a week to a week and a half following.