Pre-Op Instructions for Extra-Ocular Surgery

• Anticoagulants may be stopped 7 days prior to surgery after consulting with a physician. Do not stop warfarin without the physician's permission.

• Shower prior to surgery, but do not apply any lotion, oil, or cream to the face or chest. Do not apply any aftershave, perfume, or make-up.

• On the morning of surgery, heart, diabetes, and blood pressure medicines and/or other medicines that have been prescribed are to be taken.

• If surgery is planned under local anaesthesia, you can eat something light two hours before surgery. If surgery is planned under general anaesthesia, do not eat or drink anything; you can take heart/blood pressure medicines with a sip of water.

During Surgery:

• A local anaesthetic injection will be given around the eyes to numb the area.

• Some injections may be given before and after surgery for sedation and to relieve post-op pain.

Post-Operative Instructions:

• Diet: Resume normal diet

• Eye patch/bandage: The eye will be under a bandage that is removed in the hospital the next day at the follow-up visit. If the eye patch is to be removed on the same day, you will be instructed to do so by your doctor.

• Swelling and bruising: Expect some swelling and black-and-blue discolouration. This swelling and discolouration may, by gravity, collect in the lower eyelids or cheeks. You may also experience tearing, sensitivity to light, itching and tightness of the eyelids. These sensations will improve over a few days.

• Stitches: All stitches should be kept clean. The non-absorbable stitches are removed after 7–10 days. Your surgeon will discuss the timing of removal if necessary.

• Bleeding: Some oozing may occur from the incision site where the stitches are located. This may need to be blotted occasionally. Light gauze may be applied to help stop the oozing.

• If lacrimal surgery was performed, some oozing may occur from the nose and throat. This is normal. Pinching the nose and sitting with your head back will help to stop the ooze. Do not blow your nose. Avoid sneezing; if you must sneeze, pinch your nose while sneezing.

• Activity: Do not rub your eyes

Vigorous activity and exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery. However, there is no need to stay in bed. Daily routine activities can be resumed from the next day. You can resume work 2–3 days after surgery.

You may shower but try to avoid running water, soap, and shampoo over your eyes.

The surgical site should be kept clean. You may boil water and some cotton in it and use this sterile cotton to clean around the eye. Alternatively, sterile gauze with sterile water or wipes can be used.

For the first week, it is preferable to sleep with your head elevated on a couple of pillows. Try not to sleep face down.