Eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty, often leads to itchy eyes during recovery. This common sensation is a normal part of the body’s healing process. Recognizing it as a temporary symptom helps manage recovery expectations.
Understanding Post-Surgery Itch
The sensation of itching following eyelid surgery is part of the body’s healing response. As tissues repair and nerve endings regenerate, these processes can trigger mild inflammation and a prickly sensation. Dry eyes are a frequent occurrence after blepharoplasty and contribute significantly to discomfort and itching. Swelling around the eyelids can temporarily affect how well the eyelids close, leading to inadequate tear distribution and increased dryness. Changes in blinking patterns or temporary weakness in the eyelid muscles can also interfere with the natural spread of tears across the eye surface.
Gentle Ways to Relieve Itching
Applying a cool, damp compress to the affected area can help soothe itchy eyes and reduce swelling, especially in the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Ensure the cloth used for the compress is clean and not excessively cold to avoid further irritation. Using preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating eye drops frequently throughout the day is highly recommended to alleviate dryness and irritation. These drops help maintain moisture on the eye surface, alleviating itching.
Good hygiene around the eyes is important. Gently clean the area with a mild, sterile solution as recommended by your surgeon to prevent infections and reduce itchiness. Keeping the surgical sutures moist and soft with prescribed ointments can prevent irritation as they heal. Ensuring adequate rest and elevating your head while sleeping can further reduce swelling and contribute to a more comfortable recovery. Using a humidifier in your living environment and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help alleviate dryness that contributes to ocular discomfort.
Actions to Avoid
Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes, as this can irritate delicate healing tissues, disrupt incisions, and introduce infection. Refrain from wearing eye makeup and contact lenses for the period specified by your surgeon, typically one to two weeks, to prevent irritation or infection. Using harsh soaps or cleansers near the eyes should also be avoided during recovery.
Protect your eyes from environmental elements like wind, dust, and direct sunlight. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors provides necessary protection. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over should be avoided for several weeks, as these can increase pressure around the eyes, leading to increased bleeding or swelling. Avoid substances like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, as they can impede healing.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While mild itching is common, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience severe or worsening pain unresponsive to medication. Excessive redness, swelling increasing after a few days, or any discharge (especially yellow pus) could indicate an infection. Sudden changes in vision or blurred vision persisting beyond a few days are concerning.
If itching becomes painful, does not improve with gentle remedies, or continues for more than two to three weeks, seek professional advice. If your eyelids feel stiff or lumpy, or you cannot fully close your eyes, contact your surgeon promptly. An allergic reaction to prescribed eye ointments, characterized by very swollen, red, and itchy eyelids, requires immediate consultation.