Pediatric General Eye Care
Taking care of your child’s eye
Be sure to wash your hands before putting in eye drops or cleaning around your child’s eye.
Give your child the medicine, eye drops, or ointments as ordered. Eye drops are often used for a few weeks after surgery. When your child comes back to see the doctor, you will be told about any changes in your child’s eye drop orders.
Stop using the eye drops and call your doctor right away if your child’s eye or eyelid becomes unusually red, itchy, or begins to swell.
If your child was given a metal shield, it should be worn to protect the eye at night or during nap time. Your child should also wear it during the day when he is not wearing glasses. The shield is used until told to stop by your doctor.
If your child’s eye is sensitive to bright sunlight, it may help to wear sunglasses. If needed, your child will be given a new eyeglass prescription a few weeks after surgery. Wearing the old glasses to protect the eye will not hurt.
Activities
Play: Your child may engage in light play activities, but will have restrictions given specifically by your doctor.
Climbing stairs: Be careful. Your child’s depth perception may be changed and it will take a little while to adjust to it.
Driving: If your child is old enough to drive, check with the doctor before she starts to drive again. Riding in a car is fine.
Washing your child’s hair: The best way to wash your child’s hair is to have your child sit and tip his head back. If your child washes his hair in the shower, make sure no soap or shampoo gets in the eyes.
Reading and watching television: Your child may watch TV/DVDs and read as much as she likes as soon as it feels comfortable.
Diet: Your child can return to a normal diet right away.
Resuming your child’s medicines: Your child may take all the medicines he was taking before surgery. You may be told by your doctor that he cannot take aspirin, ibuprofen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, for a certain amount of time.
Return appointment: Before you leave the hospital, a return visit to see your child’s doctor will be made for most surgeries. Please bring all medicines with you every time your child has a check-up.
Phone Numbers
Pediatric Eye Clinic: Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 4:30 pm, (608) 263-6414.
Pediatric Eye Emergency after hours Operator, 608-262-2122.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/18/2013
Copyright © 02/18/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6827
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