EYE HEALTH INFO

Your Post-Operative Care

Once your surgery is over, you must keep your eye clean and protect it from excessive light and unnecessary strain so that it will heal properly. The following steps will show you how to take care of your eye.

CLEANING AND PROTECTING YOUR EYE

Keeping your eye clean:

  • After your surgery, your eye will secrete a watery substance that may be tinged with blood. Gently wipe away secretions with a warm, moist cloth or by using eye wash and cotton balls.
Protecting your eye:
  • Outdoors, wear your glasses or the metal shield. You can ride in a car, but do not drive until cleared by your doctor. Limit your walking, and do not be discouraged if you get tired.

  • Indoors, wear your glasses or the shield during the day. Dark glasses will ease discomfort. When you remove your glasses at night, protect your eye with the shield while sleeping.

  • You may discontinue the shield after one week.

  • If you have a gas bubble in your eye, positioning is very important. Typically, you should lie face down with two pillows under your chest when sleeping or resting. This position must be maintained except for eating and handling personal hygiene tasks. Do not lie on your back. When sitting up, sit with your chin touching your chest or with your head over a table. Avoid prolonged pressure on your inner elbows because this can cause tingling and, in rare cases, nerve weakness. Sometimes, patients are asked to maintain another position. This will be covered by the nurse before you are discharged. For your convenience, specially designed beds are available from regional medical equipment suppliers. Our office can provide you with details.
YOU MAY:

  • Perform routine hygiene tasks, such as showering, shaving, washing or combing hair, and brushing teeth.

  • Stoop, but do not stain.

  • Lift light objects.

  • Watch television, work at a computer and read for short periods of time.

  • Follow your regular diet.

  • Over the next two weeks, you may have moderate, aching pain in your eye. This is normal and can be relieved by taking Tylenol or Motrin. Call our office if you notice increasing pain that is not relieved with Motrin or Tylenol, sudden decrease or loss of vision, or increased redness or secretions.

  • Be sure to confirm your follow-up appointment before you leave the hospital. When you come for your follow-up visit, bring your medication and the instruction sheet with you. You may find it helpful to write down any questions before your appointment.

  • Do not return to work or your usual routine until you have been cleared by your doctor.
If you were on other eye medications or blood thinners such as Coumadin or aspirin before your surgery, you should resume them after your first post-operative appointment unless otherwise instructed. You should continue to take your other regular medications, such as ones for blood pressure, and drops for your other eye.

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