Glaucoma surgery aims to reduce pressure inside the eye, protecting the optic nerve and preserving vision. The period immediately following the procedure is equally important for a successful outcome. Proper post-operative care plays a large role in preventing complications and ensuring the eye heals effectively. Following your eye care team’s specific instructions is essential for recovery. Understanding what activities and exposures to avoid during this delicate healing phase helps safeguard your vision and contributes to the long-term success of the surgery.
Limiting Physical Strain
After glaucoma surgery, limit physical strain to allow the eye to heal properly and prevent complications such as increased intraocular pressure. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending at the waist are discouraged. Avoid activities that significantly elevate heart rate, cause breathlessness, or sweating, including most exercise beyond gentle walking.
Lifting objects weighing more than 10 pounds places undue stress on the healing eye. Bending at the waist or stooping should also be avoided, as these motions temporarily increase eye pressure. For everyday actions like tying shoes or picking up dropped items, squat instead of bending. This period of restricted activity typically lasts a few weeks, with timelines varying based on surgery type and individual healing.
Protecting Your Healing Eye
Protecting your eye after glaucoma surgery involves careful attention to hygiene and environmental factors. Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the operated eye for several weeks; this prevents disruption to the surgical site and reduces injury risk. When showering or washing hair, keep water and soap out of the eye, especially during the first week. Tilting your head backward helps prevent water from entering.
Eye makeup should be avoided for at least two weeks, and sometimes up to two months, to prevent infection. It is also advisable to avoid face creams or lotions near the eye area. Environments with dust or smoke should be avoided to prevent irritation and potential infection. When outdoors, wearing protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, can shield the healing eye from bright light and potential debris. An eye shield is often recommended to be worn at night for a minimum of one to two weeks, and sometimes longer, to prevent accidental rubbing during sleep. Swimming, especially in pools or hot tubs, is generally restricted for at least one month due to the risk of bacterial infection.
When to Seek Immediate Help
While some discomfort, redness, or blurry vision is expected after glaucoma surgery, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Any sudden loss of vision should be reported to your surgeon without delay, as it could indicate a serious complication. Severe eye pain not relieved by prescribed medication is also a concerning sign that requires prompt evaluation.
Persistent or worsening redness, particularly if accompanied by pus or thick discharge, could signal an infection. Other indicators of a potential infection, such as marked inflammation, eyelid swelling, or a yellow fluid level in the eye, also necessitate urgent contact with your healthcare provider. While less common, flashing lights or a sudden increase in floaters could suggest retinal issues and should be reported immediately. These symptoms are not typical parts of the recovery process and require professional assessment to prevent further complications.