Children’s and Young People’s Surgical Day Unit
This information leaflet provides you with advice and guidance once your child is safe to be discharged home following squint surgery.
Following the operation your child’s eye maybe:
- Red
- Bloodshot
- Swollen
- Sore
- Gritty
- Watery
- Blood stained tears
- Vision might be blurry
Redness will fade with time but can take up to 12 weeks to settle.
Please do not let your child rub or wipe their eyes as this could loosen the stitches and may increase risk of infection. Encourage them to gently dab the area using a clean tissue every time they need to.
If your child already wears glasses, they need to continue to wear them as normal. Contact lenses should not be worn until advised by surgeon.
Managing pain
Your child may experience some discomfort for the first few days, please give pain relief such as paracetamol and Ibuprofen following directions on the bottle. Do not give more doses than stated on the bottle.
Eye care
- Eyedrops may be prescribed for your child, please start to use these on the day of surgery on the evening.
- Bathe eye(s) on a morning using cool boiled water and cotton wool. Always wipe gently from the inner area out over and discard the cotton wool after each time.
What should my child avoid?
Your child should avoid the following for at least two weeks or until the eye has fully healed:
Water and soap getting in the eye(s).
Having long periods of time in front of the television and computer games.
Dusty and dirty environments.
Swimming and rough sports until they are seen at their outpatient appointment.
School, nursery and activities
- Your child will benefit from extra rest for a day or two after squint surgery
- Your child may return to school after one week
- Normal activities can be started again as soon as your child feels ready except swimming and rough sports.
Follow up
Your child will need to attend an outpatient appointment, you will receive the appointment in the post.
It is very important your child attends to check on their recovery.
Who can I contact for advice?
If you are concerned in any way about your child, please contact us for advice.
Children and Young People’s Surgical Day Unit
Telephone: 01642 854927
(Monday to Friday – 7.30am until 19.00pm)
Email: [email protected]
Ward 22
Telephone: 01642 854522 (24 hours)
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
