SurgeryWatch swelling and pain
After Strabismus Surgery
General guidance after eye muscle surgery.
Medical disclaimer
This guidance is general patient education. Always follow the specific instructions given by your own surgeon or eye doctor — they take priority over anything on this page.
Do
- Follow surgeon instructions.
- Use the prescribed drops or ointment as directed.
- Keep follow-up appointments.
- Use cold compresses only if approved by the clinic.
- Ask when it is safe to return to school, work, sports, or swimming.
- Do not let water enter your eye for 14 days after surgery or an eye procedure unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
- During showering or face washing, you may use protective waterproof goggles, such as swimming or diving-style goggles, to help prevent water from entering the eye. Make sure they do not press hard on the eye.
Don't
- Do not rub the eyes.
- Do not press on the eyes.
- Do not swim until cleared.
- Do not get water, soap, shampoo, conditioner, or face wash in the eyes.
- Do not skip medicines prescribed by the surgeon.
- Do not ignore severe pain or worsening swelling.
- Do not drive if double vision affects safety.
- Do not let the eye drop bottle tip touch your eyelashes, eyelids, eye surface, fingers, skin, or any surface. Touching the bottle tip can contaminate the drops.
About your eye drops
- Avoid touching the bottle or tube tip to eyelashes, eyelids, eye surface, fingers, skin, or any surface.
Water & washing
- Do not let water enter your eye for 14 days after surgery or an eye procedure unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
- During showering or face washing, keep the eye closed and avoid direct water, soap, shampoo, or face wash entering the eye.
Normal things you may notice
- Redness
- Mild soreness
- Mild swelling
- Watery eyes
- Temporary double vision
- Mild discharge or crusting as described by the clinic
Warning signs — contact the clinic urgently
- Severe pain
- Sudden vision loss
- Increasing swelling
- Pus-like discharge
- Fever or worsening general illness
- Eye movement becoming very painful
- Worsening double vision that concerns the user
- Water, soap, shampoo, or dirty water entered the eye and symptoms worsen
- Eye trauma, strong rubbing, or pressure to the eye
When to call the clinic
- If pain is severe or worsening.
- If swelling or discharge increases.
- If vision changes suddenly.
- If fever or signs of infection occur.
- If water or chemicals entered the eyes and symptoms worsen.
- If the eye was rubbed strongly, bumped, pressed, or injured.
Have questions about your eyes?
This information is general education and does not replace a professional eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes, book an appointment.