Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
An ectropion refers to an eyelid which is hanging away from the eyeball causing redness of the eyelid and watering / discharge from the eye. There are many causes of an eyelid ectropion but the commonest reason is ageing changes in the eyelid.
Before ectropion correction surgery
Certain medications predispose to excessive bleeding such as:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Warfarin
- Clopidogrel
- Rivaroxaban
- Apixaban
- Edoxaban
- Dabigatran
You will be asked to check with your GP if it is safe to stop these for a short while before surgery. This can reduce the bleeding during the surgery and the amount of bruising you can expect afterwards.
You will be asked to sign a consent form after the eye doctor has explained the operation, the benefits and any risks involved.
The possible risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Over-correction (the eyelid may turn in afterwards)
- Under-correction (the eyelid is still hanging away from the eyeball)
- Recurrence (the problem may come back again)
On the operation day
- You cannot drive on the day of your operation. This is a day case surgery so you will be able to go home the same day.
- The surgery will usually be performed under local anaesthetic (injections are given to numb the skin but you are awake).
- The eyelid is then tightened so that it is sitting in the correct position.
- Antibiotic ointment is applied to the eyes and to the eyelids at the end of your operation. The eyelids are padded up until the next morning. If you are having both sides done, you will leave the hospital with only one eye padded up so that you can see with the other eye.
After the surgery
- You can remove the eye pad yourself at home on the day after surgery. There is likely to be some dried blood when you remove your pad which you should clean gently with cooled boiled water.
- Ice packs should be applied for 24 - 48 hours intermittently after you have removed your eye pad.
- You will be given antibiotic ointment and / or drops to apply to the eye for a couple of weeks.
- It is best not to drive for a few days after surgery as your vision is likely to be blurred.
- You should avoid excessive physical activity for about a week.
- If you experience any pain, you may take paracetamol.
- Your eyelids will be bruised and swollen for about 2 weeks. It takes longer than this for things to settle down completely. Any scars normally heal very well and are hidden in your natural skin creases.
Post-op appointments
A doctor or nurse practitioner will see you in the eye clinic 1 - 2 weeks later to remove your stitches and to check that the eyelids have healed properly before you are discharged.
If you have any concerns after your operation, please contact the staff in the eye treatment centre on the following numbers:
| From 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday: | 0300 373 5884 |
| From 5pm to 9am and at weekends: | 0300 614 5000 and ask for the Eye Doctor on call |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ophthalmology service.
About this information
Service:
Ophthalmology
Reference:
QQ/028
Approval date:
5 August 2024
Review date:
1 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.