Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that should not be taken for granted because failure to administer treatment can lead to blindness. Glaucoma surgery is often an essential step for treating the said condition, especially in cases where medications as well as other less invasive medical methods are no longer delivering positive effects.
For patients who undergo surgery by a reputable glaucoma doctor in Singapore, it should be noted that proper post-operative care is essential when it comes to ensuring the success of surgery and, in the process, cut down potential complications.
This comprehensive guide aims to discuss the important aspects of post-operative care for individuals who undergo surgery. Read on for details.
Immediate post surgery care
Immediately after glaucoma surgery, patients are going to require specific, tailor-fit care to make sure that proper recovery is achieved. In general, the whole process includes wearing an eye patch to protect the eye for a couple of days.
It should be noted that pain and discomfort are quite common, but it can be easily managed with pain relief medications. Consequently, it is crucial for patients to avoid any form of strenuous activities that could inappropriately increase eye pressure and therefore, injure the surgical site.
Follow-up appointments
Regular follow-up appointments are crucial when it comes to monitoring the healing process and making appropriate changes if necessary. During appointments, a glaucoma specialist in Singapore checks for any sign of complications and evaluates if the surgery is successful or otherwise, and so forth.
Simply put, follow-up appointments pretty much provide an opportunity for patients to discuss any concern or symptom that they experience post treatment.
Medication management
Post-operative medication management is an essential component of the whole healing process. Anti-inflammatory as well as antibiotic eye drops are usually prescribed to patients to prevent infection and, at the same time, reduce inflammation.
Patients should seriously follow the instructions of their doctor, especially regarding the dosage and the timetable. This is important to ensure that side effects and adverse interactions are minimised.
As a word of caution, it is important to wash hands thoroughly before and after using eye drops or touching the area around the eye that has undergone surgery.
Lifestyle changes
After glaucoma surgery, lifestyle changes need to be performed to ensure a seamless recovery. The long list includes avoiding heavy lifting, sprinting, running, and other strenuous activities. Furthermore, sleep position needs to be altered to avoid straining the eyes due to putting pressure on the eye that has undergone surgery. Patients are advised by doctors to sleep on their non-operated side or on their back.
Complication awareness
In general, glaucoma surgery is safe, effective, and everything in between. However, just like other medical procedures, it carries complication risks. With regard to glaucoma surgery, some of the most common complications include pain and discomfort, redness, vision loss, and others.
If any of the symptoms take place, patients are advised to contact their glaucoma specialist in Singapore, as immediate treatment is necessary to prevent it from turning into something more serious.
Emotional support
As straightforward as it may seem, undergoing glaucoma surgery and in the process, facing the possibility of blindness can take its toll emotionally. That being said, patients need to have emotional support from family, friends, loved ones, and the like. This is most true for those who experience depression, anxiety, etc. And in severe cases, counselling and/or therapy should be seriously considered.
Long-term care
With regard to post glaucoma surgery, patients need to think long-term. That’s because even after a successful operation, patients need to undergo eye exams for the rest of their life. Also, since glaucoma is a chronic condition, doctors need to monitor the intraocular pressure and optic nerve well being over time.
In addition, patients need to continually educate themselves about glaucoma and basically try to stay informed about new developments in the eyecare field.
Summing up
Glaucoma surgery–given that it is performed by a reputable and highly experienced glaucoma doctor in Singapore–can help prevent permanent vision loss. However, it should be noted that post-surgery care is crucial.
Putting the said factor into consideration, it is best to religiously follow doctor’s instructions and immediately report any concerns that arise during the recovery process.
