Swelling
Bruising
Aching
Discharge from eye or crusting at eyelashes
Blood-tinged tears
Bloodshot eye
Blurry vision
Itching
Dry, scratchy eye sensation
Swelling and bruising will increase over the first few days following surgery. Swelling typically peaks at about 3-4 days after surgery. Bruising may last for 2-4 weeks, depending on whether you are on blood thinners. For these symptoms, you may ICE (unless strictly told not to after surgery) and ELEVATE the head of your bed while sleeping. After 4 days, you can alternate COLD and WARM compresses. For any eye irritation, you may use over the counter ARTIFICIAL TEARS, gels, or ointments as needed. Itching is a very common and normal part of the healing process. Ointment, icing and possibly oral Benadryl can help alleviate the itching. However, if the itching is excessive, you may have an allergy to the antibiotic ointment, and you should let us know.