- Cold Compress: Apply cold compresses (e.g., ice packs or chilled gauze) for 2 to 3 days after surgery to reduce swelling and bruising – discontinue at bedtime.
- Head Elevation: Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows to minimize swelling for 5 days.
- Minimal Activity: Avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, or straining for 2 WEEKS post operation. You may take walks, but no jogging or running.
- Avoid blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen for 3 days. You may take Tylenol.
- Clean Gently: Use prescribed eye drops or ointment as directed. 3 days after surgery you may use a gentle cleanser, but be sure to not rub/scrub aggressively.
- Showering: You may shower, but avoid direct water pressure on your face.
- No Rubbing or Touching: Avoid rubbing, touching, or applying pressure to your eyes.
- No Makeup or Contacts: Avoid makeup, false eyelashes, and contact lenses for at least 14 days.
- Limit sun exposure—wear sunglasses and sunscreen if going outside.
- No smoking for two weeks or alcohol for 24 hours and while pain medication is being used , as they delay healing.
- You can expect:
- Swelling & Bruising: Peaks within 48 hours, gradually subsides over 1–2 weeks.
- Mild Discomfort or Dry Eyes are common. Use artificial tears if needed.
- Tightness or Numbness are common and temporary.
- Possible bloodshot eyes.
- Call our office if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive swelling or worsening pain after 48 hours that isn’t remedied with pain medication.
- Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, or excessive bleeding from the incision.
- Signs of infection: Redness, warmth, pus, or fever over 100.4°F.
As time goes by and you are healing, the following guidelines apply:
- Most patients return to work 7 to 10 days following surgery depending on the type of work done.
- All normal activities can be resumed approximately 2 weeks post op.
- Swelling, bruising and soreness may take up to several weeks to dissipate.
