Orbital Surgeries Post-op Care

DRESSING

You may have a bandage covering the eye. You might also have a drain in the wound. These are usually removed the day after surgery, but this can vary according to individual needs.

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

Instil 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. Keep headdress (kandura, abaya etc) clean and as far away from the wound as possible.

SWELLING AND BRUISING

Keep your head elevated on 2-3 pillows when lying down for 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 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 3-4 weeks, although this varies from person to person.

DISCOMFORT

Your eyes might feel tight, sore and gritty for a few weeks. You may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to bright lights, altered sensations of the skin or changes in your sight such as blurred vision.

PAIN

You will experience moderate pain after surgery (varies between individual patients). Your doctor will prescribe analgesics to relieve this. Please notify the clinic or go to the Emergency Department if you have persistent severe pain.

SHOWERING

You may shower two days following 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 2 weeks.

WORK

You may feel well enough to return to work after 10 days - 3 weeks, depending on the individual procedure.

ACTIVITY & SPORTS

Light physical activity such as walking is encouraged from day one as it aids in recovery and prevents blood clots. Keeping in mind that everyone heals at a different rate, you may be able to start golf after about 2 weeks, 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.

DRIVING

Do not drive whilst on strong pain medication (narcotic) or while applying ointment into the eye. 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

APPEARANCE

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. Occasionally red lumps around the stitches (suture granulomas) can occur. Facial makeup can cover up bruising after the sutures are removed.