All About Your Preliminary Eye Examination

When you choose Perich Eye Center we want you to feel confident and knowledgeable in every aspect of your care. Your preliminary eye examination conveniently takes about thirty minutes, and can even be done from your own car. We ask that you please bring a photo or two of yourself from at least ten to fifteen years ago so that we can get a complete picture of your face. A passport photo is also recommended in addition to these older photos. If you are seeking treatment because of a past event like accident or surgery please also bring photos from before the event occurred.

What is the cost of surgery at Perich Eye Center? Will it cost me more than surgery at a hospital?

We are proud to offer some of Tampa Bay’s most competitive rates for your surgical care, and are happy to tell you that your surgery will not cost you any more than if you were to have it done at a public hospital. Under Florida law your surgery will be covered as medically necessary by insurance. We pride ourselves on the accessibility of our high quality care and want you to feel confident that you will be in the most capable hands out the

If I am on medication that thins my blood, will I have to stop taking it?

Yes, in order to prepare for your surgery we ask that you please stop taking all medications which are designed to thin your blood five days prior to your scheduled date of surgery. Examples of these medications include but are not limited to Aspirin, Tiatral,Plavix, Coumadin, Marcoumar, Sintrom, Alka Seltzer, and Ponstan. Please be advised not to stop taking these medications on your own accord. We will share your pre-surgical evaluation with you and your primary doctor and come up with a plan of care together that includes when to stop taking these medications. It is important that you let us know if you have any delayed healing of bruises or prolonged bleeding after any injuries as this is also a factor in your plan of care regarding the stopping of taking these kinds of medications.

When do I stop taking my blood thinning medication?

While every individual has their own unique plan of care, we generally will recommend that you stop taking any medications that thin your blood five days prior to your surgery. These medications include but are not limited to analgesics containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Aspirin, Tiatral, and Alka Seltzer. Please contact us directly for a list of alternative medications that are able to be taken.

Your Surgery

Will I need to have an empty stomach for my surgery?

Depending on the type of surgery and anesthesia required, you may need to have an empty stomach on the day of your operation. We will discuss this in the planning of your individual care.

Will I need local or intravenous anesthesia?

This depends on the surgery you are having and the type of anesthesia that surgery requires. We will discuss this with you during one of your initial visits.

Is it OK for me to wear makeup on the day of my surgery?

No, wearing makeup on the day of surgery can cause skin irritation and infection. We ask that you come to the center on your day of surgery with a clean makeup free face.

Can I smoke before surgery?

We recommend that you reduce, limit, or even stop smoking if you can for the five days leading up to your surgery. Smoking leads to increased bleeding during the operation and will result in greater bruising and slower wound healing. We know this can be hard, but we want you to have the best possible surgery and recovery. We are here to support you.

Will I be able to go home after my surgery or will I have to stay in a hospital? Every patient is different, which means we will have to decide this based on the direct need of the individual. Most patients are able to go home after their surgery, but we will determine this at one of your pre-surgery appointments.

I’m worried I will be able to feel pain during my surgery? Is this true?

No, there is no need to worry about feeling any pain during your surgery. We will make sure you are given the right amount of medication to prevent you from feeling any discomfort. Whether your surgery is done under local or intravenous anesthesia you will not have to worry.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of my surgery or will I have to pay out of_pocket?

The answer to this question varies based on the individual’s personal health insurance plan. We will work with you to answer this question before your surgery is scheduled.

After Surgery

I’ve been given eye ointment. What do I do with it?

This is an eye ointment we give you to help your surgical site heal. Please make sure you apply it as directed; once in the morning, once in the afternoon and again at night. If it gets in your eye it will not cause harm, simply wipe any excess off in a gentle manner so as not to irritate the eye or your surgical site.

What will my eyelids look like the first few days after surgery?

This will vary based on the type of surgery you will be having. We will discuss what to expect at one of your pre-surgical appointments.

What will my eyelids be like after my surgery? Will there be much swelling?

Immediately following your surgery, there will be a slight noticeable swelling which will increase on day two following your operation. 48 hours following your surgery is when this swelling will reach its peak. After 48 hours, swelling should start to decrease. Applying cool packs will help to decrease swelling. We will review this with you at one of your surgical appointments.

Is there anything I can do to help minimize swelling after my surgery?

After your surgery, you will be instructed to apply cool packs to your eyes.. This cool pack should be worn as directed to help reduce swelling in the first 48 hours following your operation, as this is when swelling is at its most pronounced. After the first 48 hours, you should start to notice a gradual but steady decrease in swelling. Please refrain from using any creams or makeup on your face until after your stitches are removed.

What happens if I rub my eyes?

Following your surgery you will be given an eye patch to wear at night. Please use as directed by your care provider to prevent rubbing and injury to your surgical site at night.

Will I be able to keep my eyes open after surgery? Will there be bandages covering my eyes?

In most cases, our patients will not need any bandages and will be able to open their eyes fully and completely following their surgeries. The only exception to this involves surgery for the removal of basal cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer.

Will I have a black eye after surgery?

This depends on a few factors that vary by individual case. Most patients experience only minimal bruising which is non threatening to the eye or the surgical site. Any bruising is typically a cosmetic issue, which self resolves within two weeks. Smoking, high blood pressure, and advanced age are all factors which increase the risk of post-surgical bruising. If you are worried about the amount of bruising you may have after your surgery, do not hesitate to call us.

When will I be able to have my stitches removed?

We typically will remove your stitches within six to fourteen days following your surgery. We ask that you refrain from applying creams or makeup to the skin during this time. Also, after your stitches are removed, we request that you do not apply any ointment or cream for three complete days.

Why are my eyelids itchy after my surgery?

Sensations such as itching and a “gathering together” or tightening feeling are a normal part of the healing process. Please be very careful not to forcefully rub or scratch your eyes after your surgery.

Can I do anything to help make my surgical scar smaller?

We recommend that you gently massage the scar once a day for five minutes, using the pads of your finger tips, in a circular motion. This can be done starting ten days after your surgery. This massage should be done for six to eight weeks and followed up with the application of a scar cream which we can provide for you.

Is it normal for my eyes to be watery and feel scratchy after surgery?

Yes, this is completely normal. Your outer lid will remain sensitive for a few months after your surgery. There are many nerves under your skin that will need to regrow and connect, and as they do you will feel this sensation.

Why do my eyelashes still feel numb even though my surgery was months ago? Is this normal?

No need to worry. This is both normal and expected. There are many fine nerves, which give your eyelashes feeling, just under your skin that are reconnecting and healing. Nerve cells are some of the slowest healing cells in the body, and take time to fully come back to giving sensation to the eyelashes. This can take several months to resolve. Please be patient with your healing and call us for any questions.

When is it safe for me to wear makeup again?

Please wait ten full days to begin wearing makeup again after your surgery. Please still exercise caution when removing your makeup. Do not rub, push or pull the skin in a rough manner.

When will I be able to participate in sports and exercise again?

We recommend you return to physical exercise and sports in stages. Eight days following your surgery you can return to light exercise such as walking. Avoid all activities such as weightlifting that elevate your heart rate or cause redness in the face for fourteen days. Fourteen days after your surgery date you can swim.

How long after my surgery do I have to wait to take a shower and wash my hair?

You can resume showering and washing your hair three days after your surgery. Don’t worry if you get soapy water in or around your surgical site, as it won’t do any harm. In the event you do get soap on your surgical site please blot it dry gently. Under no circumstances is it ok to rub your eyelids. Please do not rub your eyelids!