Pterygium Surgery
Getting Ready
1. You need to have a pre-operative physical exam with your primary provider within 30 days before your surgery date. You cannot have surgery without this exam. Please schedule the exam if you have not already done so.
2. Any surgery prescriptions that you will need will be faxed to your local pharmacy. Pick up these prescriptions a few days before surgery.
3. The night before surgery, put one (1) drop of Zymar/Vigamox in the operative eye. Do not touch the tip of the bottle with your finger or to your face or eye.
4. If you have been given a bottle of Omnipred eye drops, you will be given the instructions for its use after your surgery.
5. Take your usual medicines the morning of your surgery with a small sip of water unless told otherwise.
6. Blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix, or Coumadin should be stopped if possible before surgery. Discuss this with your surgeon or surgery coordinator.
7. Bring all your eye medicines with you to your surgery.
8. Expect to be at the surgery center for 4 – 5 hours. You must have someone take you home after surgery and stay with you overnight. If medicine was used to help you relax, you should not make important personal or business decisons until the next day. You must have someone bring you to your appointment the next day.
Caring for Yourself after Surgery
1. Do not rub your eye.
2. Wear the metal eye shield at night and when napping to protect the eye. If you wear glasses, wear them during the day. If not, wear the metal shield. You need to wear the shield for one week. Wearing dark glasses may help the eye feel more comfortable.
3. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting (over 20 pounds) until cleared by your doctor. Exercise (i.e. walking) will not harm the eye if done in moderation. Go slowly and do not strain the first week. Depth perception is impaired while wearing an eye patch. Be careful on stairs. Do not drive until cleared by your doctor. Sexual activities may be resumed as soon as you are comfortable.
4. You may have dull pain, aching, or a scratching feeling in your eye. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for relief or have your Vicodin® prescription filled. If your pain is not controlled by these medicines, call your doctor.
5. Have your eye drop prescriptions filled and start using them either when you get home or the next day as you have been instructed.
6. You may shower or bathe as usual. Be careful not to get soap into your eyes.
7. Watching TV or reading will not harm the eye. You may do so if you wish.
Call your doctor right away if you have
- An increase in swelling or redness.
- Any increase in pain or discharge from the eye.
- A decrease in vision.
- Nausea or vomiting.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to call Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Deming Way office at (608) 824-3937.
University Station office at (608) 263-7171.
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #7257.
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: 03/12/2013
Copyright © 03/23/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7009
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