Pterygium Surgery Recovery

Managing post-surgery discomfort

The anaesthetic block given prior to surgery will provide good comfort around your eye for several hours after your surgery, and then will slowly wear off. As the block wears off and over the course of the first night after surgery it is likely that you will require paracetamol or stronger pain relieving tablets to maintain comfort. These will be prescribed for you on the day of your surgery depending on your specific needs. Sometimes this oral pain relief is used for the first day or so after surgery.

Usually, within a few days of surgery your eye will be pain free, however it will remain gritty and uncomfortable and will look quite red for 3-4 weeks.

For most patients, by 3-4 weeks the eye looks and feels mostly back to normal.

Preventing infection and reducing inflammation with medicated eye drops

From the morning after surgery, you will commence using eye drops to help your eye recover. Antibiotic drops are required for the first week after surgery to help protect against infection. Anti-inflammatory (steroid) drops are required for approximately six weeks post-operatively to assist in the healing process. You will also be able to use preservative-free lubricating drops in your eye as often as required for comfort.

Adjustments to usual activities

You can use your eye for reading, watching TV and computer work as soon as it feels comfortable to do so after the surgery. Most people find they have to limit how much they use their eye during the first week after surgery, however at 1-2 weeks post-operatively most have returned to regular work and driving.

In the immediate time after surgery, it is common to experience some double vision looking in the direction opposite to the side of the pterygium – this usually settles after a few days, however double vision can occasionally continue intermittently for up to 1-2 weeks (this may interfere with work or driving).

You will need to avoid intense exercise for one month.

Avoiding activities that can expose the eye to dust, dirt or infection

You will need to keep the eye very clean and covered, whenever you are having a bath or shower, or are in a dirty environment, for the first two weeks. You should wear sunglasses outdoors at all times.

You will need to avoid swimming for one month.

Post-operative follow-up appointments

You will be reviewed routinely on the day after surgery and at 4 weeks following surgery – these reviews are an extremely important part of your post-operative care, as your eye is checked and instructions regarding use of eye drops and information regarding your ongoing recovery will be provided.

Further reviews will occur based on your individual progress and needs.