DCR Surgery POST-OP Care

DIET

Follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet and be sure to increase fluid intake.

WOUND CARE

Instill drops and apply ointment as advised. Clean the incision area daily with sterile wipes and warm water. Apply ointment to the incision area after the cleaning. Use nasal spray if advised.

Do not rub eyes. Keep head-dress clean and as far away from the wound as possible.

BLEEDING

Minimal bleeding from the nose may be present for up to 48 hours after surgery. In the rare case that the bleeding is severe and persistent, please go to the nearest ED.

SWELLING AND BRUISING

Keep your head elevated for two or three days following surgery and apply cold compresses or small ice packs wrapped in a thin, clean cloth or flannel to help reduce swelling. Alternatively, you can use refrigerated gel masks that can be purchased from the pharmacy.

Apply this for 20 minutes per hour for the first 3 days (waking hours). Maximum swelling and bruising tend to occur in the first 2-3 days and resolves over 10 - 15 days, although this varies from person to person.

DISCOMFORT

Your eyes might feel tight, sore and gritty for a few days. You may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to bright lights, or temporary changes in your sight such as blurred vision.

Pain

You may experience a dull ache for a few days after surgery. This should settle with simple analgesics like paracetamol. You are unlikely to experience severe pain after this type of surgery. Please notify the clinic or go the Emergency Department if this happens.

SHOWERING

You may shower 48 hours after the surgery.

Salah

You should offer salah sitting on a chair and avoid bending from the hip (rukuh & sajdah) for one week.

SLEEPING

Sleep with your head on 2 pillows at least 1 week.

WORK

You may feel well enough to return to work after a few days, depending on the individual procedure.

ACTIVITY & SPORTS

Light physical activity such as walking is encouraged from day one as this aid in recovery and prevents blood clots. Keeping in mind that everyone heals at a different rate, you may start golf after about 10 days, gym after 2 weeks, tennis and swimming after 3 weeks.

CONTACT LENSES

Contact lenses may be worn earliest 3 weeks after surgery.

REMOVAL OF STITCHES

The stitches will be removed 7 to 10 days after surgery.

MAKE-UP

You may begin wearing make-up after removal of stitches (usually 7 days after surgery).

DRIVING

Do not drive whilst on strong pain medication (narcotic) or while applying ointment into the eye. Most patients can start driving three to five days after surgery but you are the best judge of when it is safe for you to do this.

SMOKING AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications. Dietary supplements such as vitamins, garlic, and ginseng can be re-started one day after surgery.

APPERANCE

Healing is a gradual process and your scars may remain slightly pink for 6 months or more. Tiny whiteheads may appear after stitches are taken out; can be easily removed by surgeon. Facial makeup can cover up bruising after the sutures are removed.