After surgery for a retinal tear...should the eye that was operated on be very red? the white part?(iris) is this normal after a surgery?

Yes: There are many blood vessels over the sclera (white part) that break and bleed during the surgery. This is normal and is like a bruise under the skin. It takes about 2 weeks to resolve. Continue with the postoperative eye drop regimen and follow up with your retina surgeon. Take care.

Retinal surgery: Iris is colored part you see through the cornea. the redness is conjunctival blood vessels ie outermost covering of the eye ball. During retinal surgery conjunctiva is incised to place irrigation port for instruments and microfiber with camera to look inside the eye. If there is no pain and the redness gets. better every day : don't worry. If not call your Surgeon.