Wound Care & Suture Care
Patient Safety First
Emergency Red Flags Guide
While complications after eyelid surgery are rare, knowing the difference between normal post-operative symptoms and urgent warning signs ensures rapid medical response when it matters most.
Symptom Severity Guide
Compare your symptoms below to determine whether you are experiencing expected recovery effects or require immediate medical evaluation.
Normal & Expected Symptoms
Typically resolve within 1–2 weeks
- Mild to Moderate Swelling: Peak swelling during the first 48 hours that gradually decreases.
- Bruising Around Eyes: Black, blue, yellow, or purple discoloration around the eyelids or cheeks.
- Mild Discomfort / Tightness: Easily managed with prescribed or recommended mild painkillers.
- Light Sensitivity & Watery Eyes: Temporary dryness, tearing, or light blurring from ointments.
- Minor Blood-Tinged Seepage: Small traces of pinkish fluid on gauze during the first 24 hours.
Urgent Red Flags (Contact Immediately)
Requires prompt attention from our surgical team
- Sudden Loss or Change in Vision: Double vision, severe blurring, or partial loss of sight.
- Severe, Throbbing Pain: Uncontrolled pain not relieved by prescribed medications.
- Active Bleeding: Continuous dark blood or fresh red bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of light pressure.
- Signs of Infection: Thick yellow/green pus, foul odor, increasing warmth, or fever over 38°C (100.4°F).
- Rapidly Bulging Eye: Sudden, severe swelling pushing the eyeball forward or extreme tightness.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you experience any of the urgent red flags listed above, take these immediate steps:
1
Do NOT Rub or Apply Pressure: Avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye.
2
Call Our Emergency Line: Reach our on-call medical coordinator immediately.
3
Visit Nearest ER: If unable to contact us, go directly to the nearest Eye Emergency Unit.
BEFORE & AFTER
