EYE SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

1.
a. Rest quietly in bed after surgery, with head straight and elevated at 45 degrees on two pillows.

b. Do not sleep on either side for 2 weeks.

c. Vision is blurred because of ointment in eyes, swelling and bruising.

d. Stay in the company of a responsible adult.

e. Commence on a light diet as anaesthetics can make you feel nauseous and can increase swelling.

SWELLING & BRUISING

2.
a. Keep ice compresses (4” x 4” gauze pads dipped in iced water and wrung out) on eyelids for the first 48 hours and intermittently for 1 week - e.g. place ice on the eyes in the “ads” while watching TV.

b. Continuous ice compresses are to be continued without fail and are one of the most important aspects of your immediate post-operative nursing care.

c. When bending, bend at knees only, not with head down.

d. Obvious bruises and swelling subside in 2-3 weeks. Some swelling persists longer.

e. If bruising or redness persist longer than 2 weeks, make-up can usually cover this until it subsides totally.

g. Excessive bruising and swelling is rare but can occur. This will always subside.

h. Do not lie face down for one month.

PAIN & MEDICATIONS

3.
a. For pain, take Panadeine Forte, one to two tablets every three to four hours, (not more than 8 per day).

b. No alcohol or drugs, driving or operating machinery.

c. Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications or after your anaesthetic.

d. Do not take Aspirin or any medication containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least two weeks after surgery as it can increase bleeding.

e. Commence Hormone replacement therapy after discussion with the doctor.

WOUND CARE

4.
a. You may have some tape on your eyes to reduce swelling - leave this intact until you have been advised by the nurse.

b. Then commence daily with gentle cleansing of the eyes with Normal Saline, cotton wool and apply antibiotic ointment with cotton buds, twice a day for 7 days.

c. Use eye drops only as prescribed.

d. Sutures are removed 5 - 7 days after surgery.

e. Shower as normal after 24 hours. If you have some form of tape on your eyes, do not get it wet until the nurse removes it in a few days.

FIRST WEEK TO 3 MONTHS

5.
a. Do not use contact lenses for 3 weeks.

b. No make-up on eye for 10 days.

c. Avoid sunburn. Use sunglasses outside.

d. The eyes may tend to water in cold air or windy weather and because of the swelling this causes temporary derangement of the tear flow. This will subside.

e. Redness of the scar occurs occasionally during the first three months and will subside thereafter. It is more common in red haired people. Make-up may cover the redness and can be applied at 2 weeks.

f. Intermittent blurring of vision and other minor discomfort may occur during the first month. This will also subside.

EXERCISE

6. No heavy or vigorous exercise for 4-6 weeks. Walking is permitted, light weights or an exercise bike.

7. a. Call the office in case of pain in one or both eyes - Severe pain is unusual.

b. Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

• Normal Saline 0.9%- 500 ml.
• Cotton buds (1 packet)
• Gauze squares - packet of 100, 7.5 cm x 5 cm approx.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036