Glaucoma is a serious eye condition which severely affects the optic nerve. This disorder doesn’t showcase any noticeable symptoms which delays effective intervention and leads the person towards permanent blindness. To detect the signs of glaucoma, it is vital to schedule routine eye check-ups. If the ophthalmologist has detected the chances of developing this serious disorder then without any further delay you must contact a reputed glaucoma specialist in Siliguri who can recommend the best surgical interventions for effective glaucoma management.
You must know that glaucoma surgery is the most successful intervention that can stop further optic nerve damage and reduce intraocular pressure. Minimally invasive, laser trabeculoplasty, trabeculectomy, and tube implants are some of the effective surgical procedures that can be hugely beneficial. However, for optimal surgical outcomes and successful glaucoma management, the doctor will curate an effective post-operative care plan which you must follow thoroughly throughout the recovery stage.
Recovery Period After Glaucoma Surgery
Individual experience during the surgery and the duration of the recovery periods varies from person to person. However, in most cases, people who have undergone the surgery return to normal lifestyle within 1-2 weeks. Generally, your eyes start healing when the ocular pressure normalizes. The first week after the surgery is the most vital recovery phase where you may experience certain side effects and blurriness that will resolve on its own.
You must listen to the doctor’s instructions precisely in this stage to ensure a successful recovery. The progression toward optimal recovery will continue until the first month. Herein, you may have to wait 3-6 months to enjoy the maximum benefits of the surgery. Even after successful healing, you must visit the glaucoma clinic in Siliguri to continuously monitor eye health and intraocular pressure.
Post-Operative Care Measures For A Successful Glaucoma Surgery Recovery
1. Schedule regular follow-ups
One of the most vital steps of the post-operative plan is to schedule routine follow-ups with the glaucoma specialist. This is mainly essential during the first month of the surgery where the doctor needs to assess the healing process. In some cases, the doctor might recommend medication or lifestyle adjustments during the follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery. You must know that follow-ups with the doctor will help you protect your eye health and get early intervention for any post-operative complications.
2. Contact the surgeon if the temporary side effects don’t resolve
It is quite normal for you to experience temporary side effects following the glaucoma surgery. These side effects might change the appearance and vision of your eyes. Some such side effects include increased tearing, blurred vision, red eyes, discomfort, and irritation. If these signs don’t resolve on their own within a few days then don’t delay anymore and visit the glaucoma specialist. You must know that delaying reporting these symptoms can also lead to a delayed recovery procedure. You must note that in some cases, the blurriness and vision fluctuations may even last for 2-3 months.
3. Take time to relax
Proper rest and relaxation are essential during the recovery process. This is why you must add an adequate amount of rest time to the post-operative care plan. You should know that allowing yourself to take proper rest will also allow the eyes to get enough time to heal. In most cases, doctors recommend avoiding certain simple tasks for a few days such as typing, reading, and writing. It is advised for you to take a small break from your work life and invest it in taking care of your eyes.
4. Don’t drive
While you’re recovering from glaucoma surgery, you must always refrain from driving. You must mainly follow this measure right after the surgery and make sure you have someone who can take you home safely after the procedure. It is also advised to take someone with you while you’re visiting the glaucoma specialist in Siliguri for frequent follow-up appointments. The recommended time to resume driving is almost 2-3 weeks after the surgery. It is vital to consult the doctor before starting to drive again.
5. Always be aware of warning signs
One of the main barriers that can increase the recovery procedure is post-operative complications. To avoid this issue during the healing period, you must always stay alert for possible surgical complications. Herein, you must look for any abnormal signs which include eye discharge, rapid vision loss, increased pain, and severe redness. Once you have identified any of these symptoms, visit the doctor immediately to get effective treatment. The doctor might perform a detailed eye examination to prescribe you medications or required treatment.
6. Maintain proper hygiene
The chances of infection increase after the glaucoma surgery. Herein, you must maintain proper hygiene to prevent your eyes from any infection. You must avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands and always try to keep your face clean. The doctor might prescribe various eye drops after the surgery and you must always wash and sanitize your hands properly before applying the drops. Remember that the doctor doesn’t recommend avoiding bathing but while bathing you must avoid touching or harshly washing the operated eye.
7. Prevent any external eye injuries
The recovery process from the glaucoma surgery may get disrupted if the operated eye experiences any accidental trauma. This is why doctors always recommended to cover the operated eyes so that any trauma or external injuries can be prevented. If the doctor has advised you to use a perforated eye shield you must also follow it as it helps in reducing the healing time. You should also avoid doing strenuous activities that can lead to any unexpected trauma to the eyes.
8. Avoid heavy activities
Avoiding heavy activities is also a part of the post-operative plan, which you must follow for a successful recovery. Herein, it is advised to avoid doing any strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks after the surgery as it can cause eye wounds or injuries. Additionally, you must also avoid carrying children as they can accidentally poke the operated eyes. For around 1-2 months, it will also be better for you to refrain from weight training, bending down, and stopping since these strenuous activities can put unnecessary pressure on the eyes.
9. Follow the medication guidelines
The post-operative care plan must include proper guidelines about medication application. You must never forget to take the prescribed medications, eye drops, and ointments as it is beneficial for successful recovery. It is vital to note that any prescribed eye drops need to be applied with clean hands, and you must always apply them before the ointments. Cleaning the operated area is also necessary where you must clean it routinely with cotton balls and sterile saline wash.
10. Properly manage pain and inflammation
You must expect a certain amount of inflammation, redness, and pain after surgery. However, continuous inflammation and pain can decrease your life quality while making the recovery period extremely challenging. This is why you must follow the guidelines recommended by the doctor for inflammation and pain management. Herein, the doctor might prescribe you anti-inflammatory eye drops to manage inflammation and mild analgesics to manage pain. You must take all these drugs and eye drops as prescribed to experience a comfortable recovery journey.
Even after the glaucoma specialist in Siliguri indicated a successful recovery, you must continue taking care of the eyes in the long term. Starting from protecting your eyes during heavy winds and sports to wearing sunglasses while going outdoors, there are various post-operative complications you must follow to ensure proper ophthalmic health.
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