Care after glaucoma surgery

Glaucoma surgery Care after your procedure Protect the eye, follow medication instructions and monitor recovery. Dr. Nuno Lopes | Ophthalmology This guide covers care after trabeculectomy, deep sclerectomy or drainage implants. Specific recommendations depend on the technique and the progress of each eye. Protect the eye Apply eye drops Attend appointments What might you feel? Mild discomfort, irritation and less clear vision may occur in the first few days. Recovery is gradual and varies; surgery aims to control pressure and preserve vision, rather than reverse existing optic nerve damage. Immediate care at home 01 Eye dressing: if you were given a dressing, leave it in place until the time specified by the team, usually the following morning. 02 Acrylic shield: wear it whenever you sleep, including naps, for the recommended period. It prevents unintentional pressure. 03 Hygiene: keep the area around the eye clean. To clean the outside of the eyelids, use clean disposable tissues or sterile gauze. Do not press on the eye.

Activities and protection You may do these as tolerated Restrictions and care Daily hygiene: shower and wash your face or hair carefully. Avoid water directly in the eye, soap and shampoo. Do not rub or press on the eye. Leisure: read, watch television and use screens, according to comfort and the instructions you received. Do not lift heavy objects or undertake strenuous effort. Confirm when you may return to exercise. Mobility: walk and travel as a passenger. Do not drive in the first few days; resume only with approval and when you feel safe. Office work: return when you feel able and your team agrees. Manual work or work involving environmental exposure requires explicit approval from your ophthalmologist. Environment: choose clean, protected places. Avoid dust, smoke and contact between animals and the area of the operated eye to reduce contamination risk. YOUR PRESCRIPTION MAY CHANGE Confirm which drops to use in the operated eye: the postoperative schedule may differ from your previous glaucoma treatment. Do not restart or stop medicines on your own initiative. APPOINTMENTS ARE PART OF TREATMENT Pressure may change during healing. Appointments allow care to be adjusted and changes detected early. Do not miss follow-up. Your team determines how long restrictions apply. Do not use this timetable as automatic permission to resume activities.

Medication and warning signs How to apply eye drops 01 Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 02 Sit or lie down and tilt your head back. 03 Gently lower the bottom eyelid and apply one drop, without touching the eye, eyelashes or eyelids with the bottle. 04 Close the eye gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Wipe away any excess with a clean disposable tissue. 05 Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops in the same eye, unless individually instructed otherwise. 06 Continue the usual medication for the unoperated eye, as prescribed. Keep the bottle away from the eye Close gently without squeezing Follow the schedule CONTACT THE TEAM OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Severe pain that does not improve with the advised painkillers; sudden or marked reduction of vision; sudden increase in redness or pus-like discharge. Do not wait for your scheduled appointment. Bring all the eye drops and medicines you use to appointments. This allows the team to confirm treatment and answer questions. General information. Your team's prescription and instructions take priority.