Is there a patch in place?

YES:

Leave the patch intact. Do not loosen the patch or get it wet. If the patch becomes loose, then use medical tape, available at your local pharmacy to re-enforce the dressing.

NO:

In order to minimize swelling and bruising, apply cold compresses to incision for a minimum of 15 minutes per hour while awake for 48 hours. You can use an ice pack, a zip-lock bag containing ice chips and water, or surgical gauze or clean bath-cloths soaked in ice water. Ideally 4 x 4 gauze pads soaked in ice water work best because they are clean and easily fit in the crevices around your eyes.

After two full days of ice, you should then switch to warm compresses for 15 minutes 4 times daily for one week. Use a water bottle, or simply apply heated moist clean bath-cloth.

Prescribed Medications:

OINTMENT

At the site of any visible stitches, apply your prescription antibiotic ointment to incision 4 times daily for one week. After one week reduce applications to one time daily for an additional week.

PAIN MEDICATION:

You should first treat mild discomfort with one or two regular strength tylenol every four hours. For pain unrelieved with tylenol, use your prescription medication IN PLACE OF your next dose of tylenol. Avoid taking tylenol with your prescription pain medication as most prescription pain medications contain a full dose of tylenol. Take cautiously. Most pain medications induce nausea and cause constipation. Do not drive while taking pain medication--see your pharmacy instructions for additional warnings.

General Care following surgery:

Sleep on your back with your head elevated on 2 pillows for 4 days. Continue to sleep on your back for 2 weeks.

You may shower and wash your face and hair on the 2nd day after surgery. Avoid vigorous scrubbing.

After one week, you may remove crusting by applying Hydrogen peroxide on a cotton-tipped applicator. Do not apply directly to your eye.

Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting (over 10 lbs), straining and bending over for one week.

Avoid contact lenses for one week.

Do not rub the operative site.

Use cold compresses and oral Benadryl to control itching.

If your incision opens, apply ointment 4 times daily and notify your doctor.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING TEAR DUCT SURGERY

--Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks

--Tearing is usually worse during the first month after surgery.

--A large red tube may protrude slightly from the nose and simulate nasal congestion. This tube will dislodge itself within 2-3 weeks time.

----A small clear stent may be visible between the upper and lower eyelid on the inside corner of the eye. If this stent dislodges, do not pull it out further. Tape it to the side of your nose and notify your doctor.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING ENUCLEATION

---A small clear conformer that serves to form the pocket where your artifical eye will be fitted is present behind the eyelids. If this falls out, do not panic. Simply wash with warm soapy water, allow to dry and if possible re-insert by putting the device under the upper lid, while pulling down on the lower lid. As the conformer is pushed superiorly, release your lower lid to trap it in place. Alternatively, leave it out and call our offices the next business day.

GENERAL WOUND CARE

----The following are normal and to be expected after eyelid surgery: Blurry vision, Swelling, Asymmetry between eyes, Red & Bumpy incision lines, Numbness, Tingling, Firmness, Crusting, Itching, Tearing, Redness, Incomplete eyelid closure, Slow bleeding from wound.

--Swelling and bruising may last for 3 months after surgery. Swelling and bruising reaches a peak 2 days after surgery. Swelling may extend into the lids and cheeks. For bilateral surgery, it is common for one eye to be more swollen than the other.

--Blurry vision may take 3 months to resolve. Frequent use of artificial tears will improve vision. Severe vision loss in the presence of increasing pain & swelling in not normal—notify your doctor.

--If eyelids do not close completely at night: apply a small amount of over the counter lubricating ointment (Refresh pm, Genteal gel, Lacrilube) before sleeping.

--Foreign body sensation, blurry vision and tearing indicate corneal dryness. This is common. Use over the counter artificial tears as often as needed for comfort.

INDICATIONS TO CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN:

Fever over 101

Active bleeding not controlled by pressure

Increasing or foul smelling drainage

Increasing redness, warmth, firmness

Pain not relieved by medication

Blood soaked DRESSINGS