Learn about the recovery process after lazy eye surgery. Discover how to manage discomfort, prevent infection, and ensure the best long-term results for your child’s vision.
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Post-Surgery Care
Recovery from lazy eye surgery is generally much faster than many parents expect. Immediately following the procedure, the eye will likely be red and may feel scratchy, as if there is a piece of sand in it. This is normal and is caused by the small stitches used to adjust the muscles. These stitches are usually dissolvable and do not need to be removed by a doctor.
Post operative discomfort is usually manageable with simple care. Doctors often recommend over the counter pain relief for the first 24 to 48 hours. Applying a cool, damp cloth to the closed eyelids can also help soothe irritation and reduce swelling. It is important to encourage your child not to rub their eyes, as this can irritate the surgical site.
Keeping the eye clean is a priority during the first week. You will likely be prescribed antibiotic and anti inflammatory eye drops or ointment. These should be applied exactly as directed to prevent infection and help the redness fade faster. You can gently clean any crusting from the eyelashes using a clean cotton ball dipped in warm water.
Activity restrictions are usually minimal but important. For the first two weeks after surgery, children should avoid swimming, high contact sports, or rough play where they might get hit in the face. Getting soap or shampoo directly in the eyes during baths should also be avoided. Most children can return to school or daycare within 2 to 3 days.
The redness of the “white” of the eye is the most noticeable part of recovery. It may look quite dramatic initially, similar to a severe bloodshot eye. This is just bruising from the muscle manipulation. It typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for the redness to completely disappear. During this time, it does not mean the child is in pain.
It is common for vision to be slightly blurry or for the child to experience double vision immediately after muscle surgery. The brain and the eyes need time to adjust to the new physical alignment. In most cases, this double vision resolves on its own within a week or two. If it persists longer, your specialist will assess if specialized “prism” glasses are needed.
The long term success of the surgery depends on continued vision therapy. Straightening the eyes physically is only half the battle. If Amblyopia was present before the surgery, the brain may still want to ignore the eye even though it is now pointed in the right direction. Parents must be prepared to continue patching or using drops as instructed.
Follow up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and alignment. The first visit usually happens within a week, followed by another at the one month mark. During these visits, the doctor will check if the eyes are straight in all positions of gaze, if the wounds are healing correctly, and how the brain is adapting.
Scarring from muscle surgery is rarely visible to the naked eye. Because the incisions are made on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the white of the eye) and are hidden under the eyelids, there is no external scarring on the face or skin. The eye will eventually return to its perfectly normal appearance.
Maintaining a positive environment is the final step in post surgery care. Surgery can be a stressful event for a child, and their cooperation with post op drops and continued patching is essential. Using rewards and maintaining a calm routine can help the child feel confident during their vision recovery journey.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
You can’t prevent the causes, but early eye exams, ideally by age 3, can prevent vision loss by allowing timely treatment.
Foods rich in Vitamin A, Lutein, and Omega-3s like carrots, spinach, and salmon help protect and develop the eyes. Staying hydrated also supports healthy tears.
About 2 hours of outdoor play daily helps regulate eye growth and supports binocular vision.
Emotional stress doesn’t cause it, but heavy screen use can worsen drifting in children prone to eye misalignment.
The most critical change is compliance. If a doctor prescribes glasses or a patch, using them exactly as directed is the only way to restore vision. Additionally, using protective eyewear for sports ensures the safety of the dominant eye, preventing total disability.
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