When you get home
When you are awake during the first 24 hours after surgery, place an eyepad lightly moistened with refrigerated saline solution or tap water on your eyes. Alternatively, you may choose to apply crushed ice or even frozen peas wrapped in plastic bags. Change compresses as often as necessary. If you can, continue this for 15 minutes out of the hour on the second day after surgery.
If you were given an ointment to take home, then begin use at bedtime. Apply 1/4 inch of ointment into the involved eye(s) and incision sites. Apply directly from the tube or after transferring ointment to a Q-tip. Continue to put the ointment on the skin for 10 days-or until the tube is empty. Put the ointment in your eye at night for 10 days, and use it once or twice during the day if your eyes feel dry or scratchy.
Special considerations
Resume medications prescribed by your general medical doctor unless you have been told otherwise.
At bedtime, elevate your head with pillows for one week.
During bathing, protect your eyes by facing away from the stream of the shower and by using a damp washcloth to clean your face. You may bathe the day after your operation. As necessary, gently swab any crusts away from the eyelid stitches with a Q-tip moistened with peroxide or water.
Avoid direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks to allow optimal healing.
Avoid driving after surgery until you have fully recovered from sedatives that were used during surgery and until you have recognized the limits imposed by your surgery.
Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) for discomfort, but continue to avoid aspirin, Advil and similar anti-inflammatory drugs for 10 days.
Makeup may be worn after 7 days. Please do not wear makeup to your follow-up visits for one month after surgery.
Common Symptoms & Observations
- Redness, swelling, and bruising of the eyelids
- Tearing
- Blurred vision from the use of ointments
- Slight oozing of blood from the incisions
- Minor irritation and scratchiness.
Emergency Symptoms & Observations
You should call immediately if you experience:
Severe or deep pain
Bleeding not controlled with compresses
Rapid swelling of the eyelids and protrusion of the eye
Diminished or loss of vision not improved with blinking or eyedrops
Reaching Dr. Levin
Surgery begins a special relationship between patient and physician. Dr. Levin is at your disposal after surgery. If you have problems or questions immediately after your operation, then do not hesitate to call him. The answering service always knows how to contact Dr. Levin. If, for some reason, you cannot reach Dr. Levin and are having an emergency, contact your local emergency room.
Be assured, this office is committed to providing outstanding care. We encourage your questions and comments.
Check list for your first appointment after surgery.
Write down all your questions.
Bring all your medications.
Bring any special tape or bandages that you may have.
Carry any prescription glasses you may have to your appointment.]
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