Your eyes are extremely sensitive. That is why your eyelids feel tight and sore after surgery. This should not worry you at all, as it is normal as you recuperate. It happens though that your eyelids can sometimes take longer than usual to heal. This could be due to a number of factors, most of which are predisposing factors such as diabetes. Doctors give medicines in such situations to help with pain and any form of discomfort. The best you can do is to follow your doctor’s prescriptions to the last tablet. Then while at it, take the following post eyelid surgery care tips into account.
Your Eyes May Feel Itchy
This can happen throughout the day. Your eyes may also feel dry, watery or too sensitive to light. These symptoms may or may not be accompanied by blurry vision. To ensure you do not interfere with the recovery period, keep your eyelids clean. Then avoid rubbing them. Be sure to contact your surgeon if the blurry vision gets worse and you suddenly lose vision completely. Avoid too buying over the counter eye-drops for eye care without your surgeon’s approval.
Stitches
Your stitches may have to be removed by your surgeon. They can also dissolve on their own. Either way, your eyelids may look bruised and swollen for up to 3 weeks after surgery. Contact your surgeon if they remain swollen for more than 3 weeks. Be sure to also give them time to completely heal. This may call for your patience for up to 3 months.
Going Out
You should be able to go out in public and even bask in the sun after two weeks. This may depend on factors such as if you still feel pain and if you’re comfortable with people asking about your surgery. The process will alter your look, so be prepared to get looks of admiration flying your way. Remember that even after 2 full weeks, you may still have some bruising and redness around your eyes. This will dissipate with time so again, be patient as you inform your surgeon about progress.
Your Eyelids May Feel Strange
Ptosis or surgery for a droopy eyelid as most people refer to it will most likely leave you feeling strange as you sleep. This should not be a problem as your body will be adjusting to a new organ structure, something it was not used to before. For instance, your lid may not lower as much as it did before each time you look down. Your lids may not even close fully when you sleep. Expect such changes after surgery but by all means inform your surgeon. Gels and drops prescribed by your surgeon can easily fix the problem by keeping your eyes moist.
Limit Some Activities
Your eyes will get tired easily as you heal. With that in mind, limit computer work, reading and the TV until you heal. Keep off your contact lenses too until your surgeon gives you a nod to put them back on. You can shower, but as you do, try to keep soap and shampoo of your eye. Do not swim too as you heal. Then lastly, wear sunglasses as you go out until your eyes get used to sunlight.
This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.
