Strabismus surgery corrects eye misalignment, often called crossed or wandering eyes. This procedure adjusts eye muscles to improve ocular alignment, enhancing visual function and cosmetic appearance. A successful outcome depends on diligent post-operative care. Adhering to specific precautions is important for proper healing and to minimize complications.
Avoiding Physical Strain and Eye Stress
After strabismus surgery, avoid activities that place undue physical strain on the body or eyes, as this can hinder healing. Refrain from rubbing or touching your eyes to prevent dislodging delicate sutures and reduce infection risk. Resist the urge to rub, even if the eye feels itchy or uncomfortable.
Avoid strenuous physical activities like heavy lifting, intense exercise, or contact sports for one to four weeks, or as advised by your healthcare provider. These activities can increase intraocular pressure, potentially disrupting the surgical site. Simple vigorous activities like stretching also increase eye pressure. Limit excessive bending over to prevent increased pressure in the head and eyes.
Limit activities that cause eye strain, particularly in the initial days following surgery. Prolonged reading, extensive screen time on computers, phones, or tablets, and close-up work can fatigue the eyes. Short periods of screen use may be permissible after the first day; gradually increase duration as comfort allows. Avoid driving until cleared by the surgeon, as blurred or double vision can affect reaction times and depth perception.
Maintaining Eye Hygiene and Protection
Maintaining eye hygiene and protecting the healing eye from environmental factors are important steps to prevent infection and ensure a smooth recovery. Avoid swimming or submerging your head in water, including baths, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans, for a specified period, typically two to four weeks. Water can introduce bacteria to the surgical site.
Avoid applying eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow) and wearing contact lenses for a recommended duration, often two weeks to one month. Makeup products can harbor bacteria, and their application or removal can irritate the sensitive eye area or introduce foreign particles. When showering or bathing, prevent shampoo, soap, or dirty water from entering the eyes, as these can cause irritation or infection.
Avoid dusty or smoky environments, as airborne particles can irritate the eye and increase infection risk. Wearing sunglasses outdoors offers protection from wind, dust, and bright light sensitivity. Gently clean any discharge around the eyes using a clean, soft cloth or tissue moistened with cooled, boiled water.
Adhering to Medical Instructions
Adhering to the surgeon’s medical instructions is fundamental for a successful recovery after strabismus surgery. Never skip prescribed eye drops or oral medications, even if the eye feels better. These medications, often antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents, prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and manage discomfort.
Discontinuing medication without consulting the surgeon can lead to inflammation or increased infection risk. Avoid applying unapproved remedies or attempting self-treatment. Remember that the tip of eye drop bottles or ointment tubes should not touch the eye or any surface to maintain sterility.
Do not miss scheduled follow-up appointments; these visits are important for the surgeon to monitor healing, check alignment, and address concerns. The surgeon can assess recovery progress and make necessary adjustments. Following all post-operative guidance ensures the best possible outcome.
Recognizing Potential Complications
While strabismus surgery is generally safe, be aware of potential complications and know when to seek medical attention. Do not dismiss severe or worsening pain, redness, or swelling, as these can indicate infection or other issues. Some discomfort, redness, and swelling are normal after surgery, but an increase in these symptoms warrants evaluation.
Sudden changes in vision, such as persistent double vision or significant blurriness beyond the expected post-operative period, should not be ignored. Double vision is common immediately after surgery and often improves within the first week or two, but persistent or worsening changes need to be reported. Any discharge from the eye that is purulent, yellow, or green, or is excessive and sticky, coupled with fever, are signs of a potential infection that require prompt contact with the medical team.
Other symptoms prompting communication with the surgeon include a bump or bulge over the muscle insertion site, increased tenderness, or any unexpected or concerning symptoms. Early detection and treatment of complications are important.