After your eye surgery

  • You will need to have someone stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.
  • You may experience a gritty awareness in the optics in the get-go few days. Occasionally, what appears to be a transparent sack of fluid develops and covers function of the eye (chemosis). This looks quite frightening simply you should not be alarmed as it will settle on its own.  Anti-inflammatory eye drops can exist prescribed if this persists.
  • Remember to recommence any regular medication that you have (ie. claret pressure tablets) as presently equally you are able to drink, unless specifically instructed non to.
  • Attempt to sit upright every bit much as possible to assist reduce the swelling. At night use an extra pillow to ensure that your head is above the level of the center and avert any straining.
  • Keep the wound and dressing equally dry out as possible for at least 48 hours. However, it may exist necessary for you to bathe the eyes, particularly in the forenoon.
  • Call up to apply the antibiotic ointment or eye drops equally instructed (usually for five days).

Food and beverage communication

  • Salty foods can contribute to fluid memory and swelling so reduce these in the get-go 7 to ten days. In order to avoid constipation, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and dried fruits. Eat a well-balanced diet to ensure your torso is getting all the important nutrients it needs in the immediate post-operative healing flow.
  • Drink plenty of fluids in the form of water and fresh juices for the first few days after surgery.
  • Reduce caffeine and carbonated drink intake in the first few days.
  • You should abjure from alcohol during the commencement week following surgery.

Farther advice

  • Article of clothing comfy front opening and loose vesture at night and in the day. Ideally wear garments that do not need to be pulled over your head.
  • There is likely to exist some degree of soiling or staining from the surgical incision sites then it is advisable to apply older bed and pillow linen.
  • Practice not pull on the operated eyelid. If the lower eyelid is operated on, exercise not pull this down while applying drops / ointment, or while wiping your face. This may undo the stiches.
  • The bruising and swelling will start to subside after almost ten to 14 days and about of the obvious swelling will be gone within three weeks.
  • Avoid sunlight as much as possible for three months afterward surgery and then use a loftier filter sunday block (Cistron 50 or higher).

With lower eyelid surgery, lowering or irregularities of the lower eyelid tin sometimes occur every bit a result of the pulling effects of scar tissue with changes of the shape and size of the eye. If this is very noticeable it can be a niggling distressing. We will instruct you on how to massage the eye area and ask that you undertake this very early on.Do not start local massage until instructed to do so.

It is advised that you purchase a freezable eye mask (available from Boots or The Body Store) or alternatively employ something common cold from the freezer (such as a bag of frozen peas) and apply this over closed eyes for as long every bit comfortable, around five minutes every hour for the first 24 to 48 hours. You should apply a cold compresses to the eyelid surface area intermittently for 48 hours. Never apply ice packs direct on the peel. Wrap them in a clean towel or linen before applying them.

Driving

You may drive after 72 hours if your vision is non contradistinct through swelling.

Pain

Should yous experience any hurting, y'all may take 1 or ii hurting relieving tablets (such as paracetamol). Do not take Aspirin or any medication containing aspirin

Stitches

Your stitches, if present, will be removed one week after surgery.  If glue is used, practise non try to skin it off or remove it yourself. It usually falls off on its own once the wound has healed.

Seek medical advice as soon as possible if you feel:

  • A severe pain in or effectually your centre not relieved past painrelief
  • Excessive swelling, particularly of the lower lids
  • Prolonged bleeding from the incision
  • A sudden deterioration or change in vision. Or the feeling of something sticking in your center
  • A fever greater than 100 F or 38.5 C
  • Any discharge from the incision sites subsequently 48 hours.

Contact usa

If yous have any questions or concerns please contact the following:

  • Eye Clinic at Yeovil Hospital
    8am – 5pm Monday – Th
    8am – 1pm on Fridays
    01935 606 198
  • Mobile Triage team
    07584 312 399
  • Out of hours
    Contact the Emergency Department at Yeovil Infirmary
    01935 384 802

Review: 05/20
Ref: 08-18-120