Cosmetic Pterygium Removal

Right After Surgery

These symptoms are common and usually improve over the first few days:

• Watery eyes and runny nose
• Light sensitivity
• Redness and swelling
• Gritty or foreign-body sensation
• Foggy or "underwater" vision

Go home, rest, and keep your eyes closed as much as possible the first day.

Pain Control

• You may take Tylenol or another non-aspirin pain reliever as needed, unless otherwise instructed.
• If you were prescribed stronger pain medication (e.g. Percocet, Neurontin, Norco), use it only as directed.

Eye Drops & Ointment Schedule

⚠️ Do not touch the tip of the bottle to your eye or lashes.

Recovery Timeline

1. Day 0 — Surgery Day

   • Vision is usually foggy or hazy.
   • Eyes may burn, water, or feel gritty.
   • Rest and keep your eyes closed as much as possible.
   • Wear sunglasses on the way home and outdoors.

2. Days 1-3

   • Light sensitivity is common.
   • Redness and swelling begin to settle.
   • Continue all drops exactly as directed.
   • Wear your eye shield at night for the first 3 nights to avoid rubbing your eye while asleep.
   • If your eyelids stick in the morning, do not force them open. Use a warm compress, then gently blink.

3. Days 4-7

   • Irritation should be clearly improving.
   • Vision usually continues to get clearer.
   • Finish your antibiotic course and follow the steroid taper.

4. Weeks 2-3

   • Redness and swelling continue to decrease.
   • Continue the steroid drops according to your schedule.
   • Still no swimming, hot tubs, or ocean water.

5. Months 1-3

   • Residual mild redness is normal and gradually fades.
   • Keep using artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or irritated.
   • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors every day to protect the eye and reduce recurrence risk.

Important Do's and Don'ts