What Not To Do After Strabismus Surgery

Post-Op Don'ts: Navigating Life After Strabismus Surgery

So, you've taken the plunge and had strabismus surgery, huh? Congrats on taking that step towards better vision and a more confident you! But now, the real fun begins - the recovery period. Now, I'm not talking about the kind of fun where you're sipping piña coladas on a beach, but more like the kind where you're binge-watching Netflix with a bag of frozen peas on your eye. Either way, let's dive into what not to do after your surgery to ensure a smooth recovery.

Don't Be a Peeping Tom (or Tom-ette)

I know, I know, you're dying to see your new and improved peeper, but resist the urge to peek at your eye in the mirror for at least a week. Your doc wants you to keep your eye bandage on for a bit, and removing it too soon can lead to a whole host of issues, like dryness, infection, or even dislodging the stitches. Plus, you don't want to scare yourself (or your cat) with your new, wonky eye. Trust me, patience is a virtue here.

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls (or Any Other Strenuous Activities)

Alright, so maybe you won't be scaling waterfalls anytime soon, but you get the gist. For the first few weeks after your surgery, take it easy. No heavy lifting, no intense workouts, and definitely no contact sports. Your eye needs time to heal, and pushing it too hard could lead to complications. Think of it as a well-deserved break - you can catch up on all those books you've been meaning to read!

Don't Be a Party Animal

I hate to break it to you, but your social life might have to take a backseat for a bit. Alcohol can thin your blood and make you bleed more easily, which is not ideal when you've just had surgery. Plus, it can also cause your eye to swell more than usual. So, sorry to say, but you'll have to skip happy hour for a few weeks. Your friends will understand (and they'll be there to support you, not judge you for your Netflix marathon).

Don't Get Caught in the Rain (or Any Other Moisture-Rich Environments)

I'm not saying you have to become a hermit, but try to avoid getting your eye wet for the first few weeks. That means no swimming, no hot tubs, and definitely no showering with your eye bandage on. If you must wash your face, do so gently and avoid getting soap or water in your eye. Think of it as a mini-vacation from your usual beauty routine.

Role of orthoptics in strabismussurgery: Before & After surgery

Don't Be a DIY Doc

I get it, you're feeling empowered and independent after your surgery, but resist the urge to mess with your eye or your stitches. Don't try to remove your bandage or stitches yourself, and don't put any ointments or drops in your eye unless your doc has specifically told you to. You might think you're helping, but you could actually be hindering your recovery. Leave the doctoring to the docs, okay?

Don't Forget to Follow Your Doc's Orders

Your doc has given you a whole list of instructions, from when to take your meds to when to follow up. Make sure you stick to the plan. It might seem like overkill, but trust me, your doc knows what they're doing. They want to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible, and following their instructions is the best way to do that.

Strabismus: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments | Cure Blindness Project

Don't Forget to Take Care of Yourself

Recovery isn't just about what you shouldn't do, it's also about what you should do. That means getting plenty of rest, eating well, and staying hydrated. It might seem boring, but taking care of yourself is the best way to ensure a speedy recovery. Plus, think of all the time you'll have to binge-watch your favorite shows!

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Lastly, try not to worry too much about your recovery. It's normal to have some discomfort and swelling, and it's normal to feel a bit down when you're stuck at home. But remember, every day is a step closer to your new and improved vision. So, chin up, buttercup! You've got this. And before you know it, you'll be back to your old self, with a whole new perspective on life.

So there you have it, folks. The dos and don'ts of strabismus surgery recovery. Remember, it's a journey, and every person's experience is different. But with a little patience, a lot of self-care, and a whole lot of Netflix, you'll be back to your old self in no time. And who knows, maybe you'll even discover a new favorite show along the way. Happy healing!