Dr. Bodker’s “Frequently Asked Questions” After or About Surgery

GENERAL OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY

ORBITAL SURGERY

LACRIMAL SURGERY

 

GENERAL OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY

Q: What should I wear to surgery?

A. It is recommended that you wear clothing to the hospital that can easily be removed.  You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and will be restricted from bending over.

Q: Should my eye be painful after surgery?

A: Mild throbbing or aching pain is normal after surgery and correlates with the invasiveness of the procedure.  If severe, the pain may represent a corneal abrasion and should be reported.

Q: Will I experience any bleeding?

A: Oozing of blood around the sutures is normal and expected on the day of surgery.   Usually this stops after 2-3 days.  Cold compresses and bed rest are helpful.  Large amounts of bleeding, such as enough to soak a bath towel, are abnormal.  Please call Dr. Bodker (913) 341-3100 if large amounts of bleeding occur, or if you are worried.

Q: How much bruising will I have and for how long? 

A: Typically the bruising is obvious for 2 weeks after the surgery.  If you bruise easily, it may last longer.

 

Q: Why is my eye red?

A: Blood often accumulates under the lining of the eye and around the eye after surgery.  This may look alarming, but will resolve in a week or two.

Q: Is it normal for my eye to be swollen?

A: Swelling near the eye is common after surgery.  This usually resolves in a week or two.  If your eye is swollen tightly shut, call Dr. Bodker.

 

Q: Why is my vision blurry?

A: Bleeding, swelling, ointment, and tearing all contribute to some visual blurring for the first few days after surgery.  Usually the vision clears up in a few days.  The vision should never get completely black.  Please call Dr. Bodker if you are unable to count fingers after surgery.

Q: My eye itches, is this normal?

A: Itching is a sign of healing.  However, an allergy to the medication can also cause itching.  If the itching is intense, or a rash develops, it could mean an allergic reaction to the ointment you are using.  Please call Dr. Bodker to report these developments.

 

Q: When can I take a shower?

A: The first day after the operation.  Keep your eyes closed while washing your hair.  Try to point the water toward your neck or below and rinse the shampoo with your head tilted backwards.

 

Q: When can I exercise?

A: You should wait two weeks after surgery before doing vigorous exercise.  Lifting weights is especially dangerous, as the strain may cause bleeding.  Light exercise, such as going for a walk, is permissible after one week.

Q: Can I go swimming?

A: Two weeks after surgery.

 

Q: Can I drive?

A: You cannot drive yourself home or for 24 hours after surgery.  Most people are able to drive in a few days, as soon as their vision clears.

 

Q: Can I wear makeup?

A: No makeup is allowed on the sutures.  These are usually removed or dissolve in one week. You can wear makeup sooner in areas away from sutures.

 

Q: Can I lift?

A: You can lift objects that do not require straining (less than 25 pounds).  After 2 weeks, there are no restrictions on lifting.

 

Q: When can I travel?

A: You can travel as soon as the first day after surgery, although it will help to have a driver.  Air travel is also fine after the first day.  If you are planning a vacation, give yourself a week or two for the swelling to go down before departure.

 

Q: Can I work?

A: It depends on your work and the operation you had done.  Most people can return to work within a week.  Some are determined to return as soon as possible and start working the next day.  Others take longer or don’t wish to work while bruised and may take 2 weeks off work.  If you are having problems such as double vision, it could take weeks or months before you can work again.

 

Q: How long will stitches be in?

A: One week on average, although some last less than this and others may take 6 weeks to dissolve.

 

Q: Will my eye be patched?

A: Usually not.  If so, the patch will probably be left in place for a few days.  Dr. Bodker avoids patching both eyes, so you will be able to see some immediately after the operation with at least one eye.

 

Q: How long will I be at the hospital for a day surgery?

A: Usually about half the day.  After surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room until you are ready for discharge.

 

Q: Do I have to stay overnight in the hospital?

A: No.  Exceptions would be severe illness, pain surgery late in the day, or serious medical problems.

 

Q: How long will the effects of my *BOTOX® (Botulinum Type A Injection) last?

A: Usually 3- 6 months, but sometimes up to one year.

 

Q: How long after my *BOTOX® (Botulinum Type A Injection) will I see the effects?

A: The effects begin 3 – 4 days and reach their peak at 7 – 10 days.

 “BOTOX is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.”

 

ORBITAL SURGERY

Q: How long before double vision goes away?

A: Sometimes a local anesthetic is given and this may cause double vision for several hours.  Usually a patch is placed over the operated eye when this is done.  If you had surgery to repair an orbital fracture or for thyroid related eye disease, double vision may last weeks to months.

 

Q: What should I do if I develop a side effect from Prednisone?

A: Call Dr. Bodker, or, if emergent, go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.  You should not suddenly stop Prednisone, as it can worsen your symptoms.

 

LACRIMAL SURGERY

Q: Can I blow my nose after a DCR or tubes?

A: No.  This can cause bleeding from your nose.  After a week or two, blowing your nose is allowed, though you should not pinch your nose closed when blowing, as this could cause the tube to come out.

 

Q: How long do tubes stay in?

A: 6 weeks in most cases, sometimes 3 – 6 months.

 

 

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