Postoperative Information

After a Strabismus Eye Operation.

 

On the night of the operation.

 

*Ointment.

Ointment is a soothing lubricant, as well as an antibiotic. It is helpful to put some ointment in the operated eye if it waters, stings or is uncomfortable.

Babies / Children.

It is easier to put ointment into the operated eye at night when you are going to bed ie  while the child is sleepy from the anaesthetic!

Adult (no eye pad).

Ointment will make the operated eye more comfortable.

Adult adjustable (eye pad on).

Please leave the eye pad on. Do not add any ointment, as this will blur the vision on the adjustment day.

 

*Glasses.

Sometimes glasses are needed to help the eyes to focus. This will help the brain to learn to hold the eyes straight after the operation.

Children – if awake, please put the glasses on

Adult – use your general purpose / distance glasses if you have them. Do not use glasses with a prism after the operation.   

NB The ointment will make your vision blurry.

Adult with an eye pad – Be careful pouring fluid or on steps/stairs. When an eye is covered you will not be able to judge depth (3D) accurately, and you must not drive.

 

 

Sore Eyes after the operation.

The eyes will be sore after the operation. Most of the discomfort will come from the surface of the eye under the eyelid. Ointment allows the eyelid to slide more comfortably over the surface of the eye. I prefer to tie my stitches so the knots are covered.

Adults who have adjustable sutures will feel the fine threads. This discomfort is reduced by having an eye pad on only until adjustment on the next day.

However the aim is to have both eyes open after an eye operation. (This may be with glasses).

 

 

Eye Treatment after the operation.

 

* Both eyes open

* Glasses  on  ie so both eyes will be in focus (no prisms in glasses)

* Eye exercises – 3 times a day (for approx. 2 minutes)

This is to prevent the muscles tightening and to encourage the two eyes to work together. Exercises should be 3 times a day for 3 weeks, then 2 times a day for 2 weeks and then once a day regularly!

 

* Eye Ointment – use 3 times a day

Ointment is soothing but does blur the vision. To put ointment into the operated eye, pull the lower lid downwards. Put the ointment into the space between the lid and the eye. Use a “blob” at least 3 times a day (a larger amount at night).  If the eye waters, stings or is uncomfortable, use some more ointment. The lining (conjunctival) stitches will dissolve in 7-10 days after the operation. Sometimes these feel a bit uncomfortable as they loosen and disappear. If this happens, use more ointment. After two weeks, use the ointment 2 times a day (morning and night). During the third week, use the ointment at night, then  stop the ointment. While the eye is healing, a little ointment more often is OK!

Adults who have adjustable strabismus surgery, may require ointment or lubricants for longer. The (mauve) muscle stitch normally takes one to two months to dissolve.

Remember, no swimming for at least three weeks after an eye operation, to reduce the risk of infection.

 

 

Questions and Problems.

Please ask Dr Dunlop any questions you have at your appointment!

It is unusual if the eye/s become much more red, eyelids more swollen or more eye-ache or the vision suddenly worsens. These symptoms need to be reviewed SOON.

Phone the surgery on 4962 4962

Say: postop problems, speak to Dr Dunlop.

After hours – phone Dr Dunlop (do NOT leave a message)

                      or the John Hunter Hospital 4921 3000 eye registrar.

 

Postop Appointments in the first week.

First day postop: Tuesday / Wednesday

Review before weekend: Thursday / Friday

 

 

After Your Cataract Operation

 

On the night of the Operation.

Have a relaxing evening.

Please leave the eyepad on. You should not have any pain.  Some irritation may be caused if the eyelashes are open and catch under the eyepad. Your eye should be closed under the eyepad.

Your 3D depth perception will be different. Be careful pouring hot drinks and walking on steps/stairs.

 

 

Eye Treatment / Reviews:

First day after the operation.

Dr Dunlop will review the eye. A fresh new eyepad is used on the first day after the operation. The eye wound heals faster if the eyelid doesn't rub on the wound. The antibiotic ointment will help lubricate the eye. Please start the eye drops and ointment as directed on your instruction sheet.

Second day after the operation.

No eyepad is used. Please continue to use eyedrops and ointment.

Review before the weekend.

Usually the eye is checked and any questions/concerns answered.

Followup reviews.

Several reviews are made during the month of healing. Dr Dunlop will measure and  prescribe glasses 3-4 weeks after the operation.

 

Questions and Problems.

Vision:

The vision will be blurry as the eye heals. Also the glasses will be wrong for the new operated eye. It does take a while for the brain to adjust. Dr Dunlop will measure the eye and when the measurement is stable (same), prescribe a new glasses' lens. This is about 3-4 weeks postoperatively.

Binocular Vision:

Both eyes work together. If one eye is a different new prescription, it may be difficult for the 2 eyes to work together. It takes time for the brain to adapt. When the second eye is treated, the brain will be able to use both eyes together better.

 

Please ask Dr Dunlop any questions you have at your appointments. Phone Dr Dunlop's staff on 4969 4962 if you wish. The postop appointments times can be adjusted if they are not convenient. If you experience a sudden change in redness, swelling, ache/pain or vision phone for an urgent review.

Office: 4962 4962

Dr Dunlop: (do NOT leave a message)

John Hunter Hospital eye registrar: 4921 3000