X-ray of a human eye showing interior scar tissue from a detached retina.
Preventing scar tissue after eye surgery is not only important for cosmetic reasons; in some instances, it can also save a patient's vision. Scarring is a common post-operative side effect of surgeries to treat glaucoma and detached retinas and to remove cataracts. Glaucoma surgery involves reducing pressure on the optic nerves caused by fluid buildup in the back of the eye. The surgeon opens a channel in the eye to eliminate the fluid and alleviate pressure. If the channel becomes scarred, the fluid buildup continues and the patient can lose eyesight. Scarring of the retina and after lens removal for cataract surgery can reduce vision and in some cases cause blindness. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce eye scarring and preventing scarring after eyelid surgery.
Instructions
1. Consult with your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) about taking drugs that imitate the body's immune system to prevent intraocular (eye interior) scarring. The drugs are chemically known as polyvalent dendrimer glucosamines, and are similar to sugar molecules. Medical tests on their effectiveness are inconclusive.
2. Discuss post-op laser surgery to literally burn away scar tissue following an eye operation. Your ophthalmologist can outline options and prepare a treatment plan for laser surgery.
3. Ask your surgeon about placing silicon oil in the eye during the initial surgery to reduce scarring in the days immediately following the operation--the most critical time to prevent scar formation.
4. Prevent scar formation following eyelid surgery with twice-daily application of a lotion enriched with Vitamin E or aloe vera. Lightly apply two drops of lotion over the eyelid with a fingertip.
5. Avoid rubbing the eye area for at least six weeks to reduce the risk of causing additional scarring.
6. Cover scars with makeup if all other efforts to reduce scarring fail to produce satisfactory results.
Tags: eyelid surgery, reduce scarring, scar tissue, fluid buildup, laser surgery, scar formation