General instructions for postoperative patients after eye surgery
01.Eyeshield:Please use an eye shield for protection when you sleep. You can use dark glasses during the daytime. Please wash the eye shield and glasses with soap and water each day and dry the same before use.
02. Washing the face:Cleaning of the operated eye will be as per the instructions are given by the doctor/ nurse. The rest of the face can be mopped with a clean and wet cloth. Avoid splashing water into the operated eye.
03. Shaving : Shaving is permitted. But avoid splashing water after shaving. Instead, clean with a wet cloth.
04.Bathing: You can bathe below the neck from the first postoperative day itself. But avoid head bath for a period of 3-4 weeks.
05. Use of facial cosmetics:Avoid cosmetics of the eye such as mascara, eyeliners, etc for at least 4 weeks.
06.Physical activity:Activities such as walking, talking, watching the TV can be resumed immediately after surgery. However, Jogging, swimming, gardening, contact sports, etc may have to be avoided for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
07. Driving: Avoid driving until your surgeon gives you permission.
08.Joining back the duties:Usually you will be allowed to join your duties by 4-6 weeks after the surgery depending upon the surgery. You may have to check with your doctor regarding the exact date of joining the duty.
09. You may resume your sexual life a week or two after the surgery.
10. The following symptoms may be expected after most of the surgeries: Some amount of redness, watering, foreign body sensation, and glare are common. The severity varies with the type of surgery. These symptoms will reduce with time and usually disappear by 4-6 weeks.
11. If you have any worsening of the symptoms and specifically if there is increasing redness, pain or decreased vision please report at Madhav Netralaya, Samaj Bhushan Griha Nirman sahakari sanstha near Navjeevan Colony, Ajni(Nagpur).440015
12.Procedure for cleaning the eye:
A. The operated eye needs to be cleaned at least twice a day.
B. The attendant performing this task should wash the hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
C. You may use the disposable tissue supplied at the hospital for this purpose.
D. Cleaning the lower lid is done by asking the patient to look up and wiping all the secretions sticking to the lower lid margin.
E. Cleaning the upper lid is done by asking the patient to look down and doing a similar procedure.
F. Similarly, the outer and inner corners of the eye are cleaned.
G. Once the margins and corners are cleaned, the eye drops can be instilled and then the surrounding areas can also be cleaned.
13. Installationof the eye drops:
A. The attendant should wash his/ her hands with soap and water.
B.The cap of the eyedropper bottle is opened carefully without contaminating the tip of the nozzle.
C.Pull the lower lid and place the drop between the eyeball and the lid by squeezing the bottle or cap as the case may be.
D. Wipe away excess medicine that may trickle out.
E. The eyes should be kept closed for a period of 5 minutes after the drop is instilled.
14.Procedurefor instilling eye ointment:
A.Washing hands as for instilling the drops.
B. The lower lid is then pulled down.
C. The tube containing the ointment is squeezed gently so that a small thread of the ointment falls in the space between the eyeball and the lid. This should be not more than half a centimeter.
D. By letting the eyelid close, the ointment thread will break.
15.General instructions for instilling medicines in the eye:
A. Always instill drops before ointment.
B. Leave a gap of 5 minutes between two medications.
C. Keep the eye closed for 5 minutes after applying the medication.
D. Once opened, the eye drops are discarded after 1 month.
E. Replace the cap of the bottle immediately after use.
F. Make sure that the right drops are being used for the right number of times.
G. If similar medication is advised for both the eyes, it is advisable to have separate bottles for the two eyes.
H. Unused eye medication, once opened is discarded and should never be used for another person.
16. General instructions:
A. Do not rub the eyes.
B. Do not lift heavy weights.
C. Do not allow the eye to get injured- the eye shield is meant to protect the eye from physical damage.
D. Avoid too many visitors for avoiding the risk of infection caused by contact- especially avoid visitors with conjunctivitis, cold, etc.
E. Do not play with children since there is a possibility of getting hurt and causing damage to the eye.
F. Do not strain at the toilet. If needed please take a laxative.
G. Avoid the use of snuff.
H. Cigarette smoking should be avoided.
I. Alcoholic beverages are best to be avoided.
J. Avoid using a handkerchief to mop the eye. Use sterile tissue only.
K. Climbing steps are allowed.
L. There is no specific diet restriction to be complied post eye surgery.
M. If gas has been injected into your eyes as a part of the treatment process, you should avoid traveling by air for a minimum of 2 months or as instructed by your surgeon.
N. You should maintain head down/prone position after the retinal detachment surgery if silicone oil or gas bubble has been placed inside the operated eye.
17.Pediatric Patients
A. Playing (outdoors) is to be restricted for a period of 2 weeks
B.Joining back school: The child will be allowed to join school 3 weeks after the surgery, depending upon the type of surgery. You may have to check with your doctor regarding the exact date of joining the school.