Orbital Surgery Recovery

How much pain should you expect after surgery?

You will probably experience moderate discomfort for one to two days after surgery. You can take the pain medication as prescribed to control the discomfort.

How much pain may be abnormal?

If you experience severe pain, which is unrelenting or stabbing, particularly if associated with vomiting or fever, please contact our office immediately.

What kind of changes in vision or tearing should you expect?

Some blurry vision is to be expected, both from ointment and surgical swelling. Excessive tearing of the eyes may also occur for a short time following surgery.

What kind of changes in vision may be abnormal?

If you notice a sudden decrease or dimness in vision, particularly if associated with vomiting or pain, please contact our office immediately.

How much swelling should you expect after surgery?

You may experience some swelling after surgery. Swelling is the accumulation of fluid, which is the body's way of healing after surgery. The swelling will probably be worse on the second or third day after surgery, and then it will gradually improve over the next three weeks. Some residual swelling can last as long as a few months for some patients. This is a normal healing response.

How much swelling is abnormal?

If the surgical area becomes extremely swollen (Ping-Pong ball size), or if the swelling becomes very tense or firm (tennis or racquetball), this is abnormal and please contact our office immediately.

What kind of color changes should you expect after surgery?

Bruising or black/blueness is normal after orbital surgery. Because of gravity, the black and blue may settle down into your cheeks and sometimes even into your neck. Do not let this alarm you. Everyone has a different response to surgery; in some patients, the black and blue may be gone after several days; in others, two or even three weeks. While you are black and blue, you should avoid sun exposure to the operative area (if you must go under the sun, protect the area with dark glasses and sunscreen). Wearing a large-brimmed hat is also recommended.

How much blood should you expect after surgery?

You should expect some slight oozing of blood and/or bloody tears in the eye or from the drain if you have one placed over the first two days. This is part of the normal healing process.

How much blood is abnormal?

If you experience marked bleeding, for example, bleeding that soaks an entire washcloth in approximately one hour, contact our office.

How should I use the pain pills?

Some patients find extra Tylenol adequate to control mild postoperative discomfort.  A patient can take 4g (4000 mg) of Tylenol or acetaminophen in 24 hours.  Aspirin or Advil or Naproxen should be avoided because these medications thin the blood and may increase bleeding or bruising.  

You may also have received a prescription for narcotic pain medication. You may start with one, but two can be safely taken every four hours if you continue to feel uncomfortable with the pain. While you are in pain, you should take pain pills by the clock: it is better to stay ahead of the pain to avoid ongoing discomfort. If you are uncomfortable while you sleep, try to schedule the last pain pill right before bedtime. Once again, please contact our office immediately, if you experience severe pain not well controlled by pain medication.

When will the body heal?

The body continues to heal for a few months. Depending on the type of surgery you have, the appearance or function of the eye will continue to improve over this time. There are tremendous changes that occur during the healing part of surgery, which can be from two weeks to three months, depending on your body's rate of healing. Take comfort in the fact that there are normal postoperative changes and that things will improve daily.