Ensure a smooth recovery after strabismus surgery. Learn about managing discomfort, eye drop schedules, and the long-term support available at Liv Hospital.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Post-Surgery Care
The first 24 to 48 hours after strabismus surgery are a period of transition. It is normal for the eyes to feel “scratchy,” like there is a piece of sand in them. This sensation is caused by the small incisions and the presence of microscopic sutures. The white part of the eye will appear very red, which can be alarming to parents but is a normal part of the healing process. Your vision may be slightly blurry or “unstable” for the first few days as the brain and muscles adjust to the new alignment. Most patients can return to light activities at home almost immediately.
Discomfort after the procedure is usually mild and easily managed.
It is important to encourage children not to rub their eyes, as this can irritate the surgical site. Most patients find that the “scratchy” feeling significantly improves within three to five days as the incisions heal.
To prevent infection and reduce inflammation, you will be prescribed a specific schedule of medicated eye drops or ointments.
Consistency is vital for a successful recovery. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying drops, and try to ensure the tip of the bottle does not touch the eye. If your child is resistant to drops, your specialist can provide techniques to make the process easier and less stressful for the family.
While the recovery is generally fast, certain activity restrictions are necessary to protect the healing eye muscles.
Most children can return to school or daycare within two to three days, and adults can usually return to work in a similar timeframe, provided they avoid heavy lifting or straining.
The redness in the white of the eye (the conjunctiva) is often the most dramatic part of the recovery. It is essentially a bruise on the surface of the eye.
It is important to remember that the eye itself is healthy; the redness is simply a sign that the body is healing the small incisions made to reach the muscles.
One of the common questions after surgery is about the stitches. In modern muscle surgery, the sutures are made of a special material that the body naturally absorbs.
Because no stitch removal is required, the post operative process is much less stressful for young children and anxious adults.
While complications are rare, being aware of “red flags” is part of responsible post operative care. Contact Liv Hospital immediately if you notice:
Early intervention for any issue, such as a localized infection, ensures that the healing process remains on track and the surgical results are protected.
The first post operative check-up usually occurs within one week of the procedure. During this visit, the specialist at Liv Hospital will check the alignment and the health of the incisions. It is important to remember that the final position of the eyes may not be apparent for several weeks as the swelling subsides and the brain adapts.
Recovering from an eye procedure is a team effort. For parents, providing a calm environment and positive reinforcement helps the child cooperate with drops and activity restrictions. For adults, taking the necessary time off to rest ensures a smoother transition back to work and driving. Our team at Liv Hospital is always available to answer questions during your recovery. We provide detailed written instructions and a direct line of communication to ensure you never feel alone during the healing process.
Choosing the right facility for your ocular care is the most important decision you can make. Liv Hospital is a leading center for specialized ophthalmology, combining world class surgical expertise with a compassionate, patient centered approach.
We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve the best possible visual outcome in a professional and supportive environment. We encourage you to reach out to the hospital today to schedule your consultation and begin your path to straighter, healthier eyes.
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Rıfat Rasier
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Betül Tuğcu
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Mehmet Murat Öncel
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Osman Murat Uyar
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. Vedat Kaya
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Ömer Faruk Yılmaz
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. İhsan Yılmaz
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Spec. MD. Deniz Marangoz
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Asst. Prof. MD. Erkan Bulut
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Op. MD. Müslim Beyoğlu
Ophtalmology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Op. MD. Süleyman Mesut Karaatlı
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Op. MD. Tezer Nur Gücükoğlu
Eye Diseases
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Prof. MD. Hakkı Zeki Büyükyıldız
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Op. MD. Emrah Dirican
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Op. MD. Ulviye Askerova
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Prof. MD. Ali Rıza Cenk Çelebi
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Op. MD. Altan Kaman
Eye Diseases
Liv Hospital Ankara
Op. MD. Mahmut Doğan
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Prof. MD. Mutlu Acar
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Op. MD. Mehmet Fatih Karadağ
Ophthalmology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Op. MD. Süreyya Aköz Arun
Eye Diseases
Liv Bona Dea Hospital Bakü
Spec. MD. Samire Haqverdiyeva
Eye Diseases
Liv Bona Dea Hospital Bakü
Spec. MD. AYGÜL TANRIVERDIYEVA
Ophthalmology
Liv Bona Dea Hospital Bakü
Spec. MD. Ehmed Abdullayev
Ophthalmology
MD. Dr. Ehmed Abdullayev
Ophthalmology
Op. MD. Cansu Özcan Pehlivan
Ophthalmology
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Most adults can drive within a few days, as soon as any double vision has resolved and they feel comfortable and alert.
It is best to wait about a week before returning to a playground to avoid getting sand or dirt in the eyes and to prevent accidental bumps.
While surgery is highly effective, the brain sometimes tries to return the eyes to their old position over many years; regular checkups are important.
If you wore glasses for a prescription (like nearsightedness), you will likely still need them, as the surgery only changes muscle alignment, not focus.
Liv Hospital provides a 24/7 contact number for our surgical patients to ensure you can always reach a professional if you have a concern.
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