Care and Recommendations on the Day of Pterygium Surgery

Pterygium surgery is a safe outpatient procedure, but it requires following specific protocols on the same day to minimize risks and ensure optimal recovery. Here are the details:

Before Leaving Home (Preparation)

✔ Fasting:

6 hours without solid food.

3 hours without liquids. Only plain water is allowed.

No coffee, juice, milk, or bread.

✔ Clothing:

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (avoid tight clothing).

It will often be necessary to change before entering the operating room.

Do not wear makeup, creams, perfume, or sunscreen.

Do not wear jewelry.

✔ Documents:

Governmental identification.

Medical order and preoperative studies (blood count, internal medicine evaluation, etc.).

Health insurance card and insurance acceptance forms (if applicable).

✔ Companion:

It is mandatory to be accompanied by a responsible adult (you will not be able to drive after surgery).

At the Hospital/Clinic (Preoperative)

✔ Regular Medication:

Take regular medications with a sip of water (except blood thinners, if prescribed by the surgeon).

It is essential to keep your blood pressure under control, as high blood pressure will prevent you from entering the operating room.

✔ Pre-procedures:

Application of antibiotic and antiseptic drops (30-60 minutes before).

Blood pressure and glucose monitoring (for diabetic patients).

✔ Informed Consent:

Signing of a document explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure.

During Surgery (What to Expect)

Duration: 40-60 minutes per eye.

Anesthesia: Anesthetic drops and, in some cases, mild sedation (painless).

Position: Lying on your back in bright light (cover your other eye).

Instructions:

Keep your head still and follow your surgeon's instructions.

You will see lights and shadows, but not the details of the procedure.

Immediately After Surgery

✔ Initial Recovery:

Rest in the recovery area for 30-60 minutes.

Blurred vision, watering, and a gritty feeling are normal.

✔ Eye Protection:

A transparent patch or shield will be applied, which should not be removed until medically indicated.

✔ Discharge Instructions:

Do not drive or make legal decisions due to sedation.

Do not rub the operated eye (even if it stings or burns).

Rest at home, avoiding bending or straining.

Postoperative Medication Management

On the same day, upon arriving home, start taking the following medication as prescribed:

Antibiotic eye drops: 1 drop every 4-6 hours.

Anti-inflammatory drops: 1 drop every 4-6 hours.

Preservative-free lubricants: 4-6 times a day.

(The doctor will adjust the dose and schedule based on your progress.)

🚫 Prohibitions on the Day of Surgery

❌ Sleeping without eye protection. Avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye or face down.

❌ Exposure to dust, smoke, or wind. Always wear sunglasses when going outside.

❌ Getting your eye wet, swimming in a pool, ocean, or river.

❌ Lifting weight (>10 kg) or performing intense physical exercise.

⚠️ Warning Signs (Go to the Emergency Room)

🔴 Severe pain that does not subside with common painkillers.

🔴 Sudden loss of vision.

🔴 Significant increase in redness or discharge containing pus.

🔴 Flashes of light or the appearance of numerous floaters.

Additional Recommendations

✔ First examination: The day after surgery (the patch is removed and the eye is assessed).

✔ Diet: Light (soups, salads, fruits) to avoid nausea due to sedation.

✔ Physical activity: Resume brisk walks after 48 hours.

Why are these precautions important?

They reduce the risk of infection and complications.

They promote proper healing of the conjunctival graft.

They accelerate visual recovery and reduce the risk of pterygium recurrence.