Eye care during and after treatment

How should I look after my eye during treatment?

During Treatment you should remember the following:

• From the first treatment day do not use any creams, lotions or make-up on the eyelids.
• Wash the skin around your eye carefully and then gently pat your skin dry. Do not rub your eye or eyelid.
• Place a cold water (previously boiled) compress on your eyelids for about ten minutes, several times a day. This will soothe the skin of your eyes.
• Keep your eye away from direct sunlight, especially during the summer months (using dark glasses or a sun hat).
• If you have had local anaesthetic drops, keep your eye covered for about hour after treatment (you will be given an eye swab by the Unit).
• In a strong wind, it may be more comfortable to keep your eye covered up, but remember to remove the swab when you are indoors.

How should I look after my eye after treatment?

The reaction to treatment will last for four to six weeks once treatment is completed. Please take special care of your eye and eyelids during this time. Your eye and eyelids may become redder than they were during treatment. If a blister forms on your eyelid it will heal quicker if it is left open to the air. Creams, lotions and eye make-up should be avoided.
Continue to be extra careful with the skin around your eye and keep using cold (previously boiled water) compresses several times a day until the redness fades. When it has faded, you may use creams, lotions and eye make-up again.
Sometimes you may find that your eyelids are stuck together when you wake up in the morning. Moisten your eyelids with cotton wool, dipped in cooled boiled water. Try to be as gentle as possible. Use the artificial tear drops (hypermellose) just before going to sleep and during the night, if necessary.
Remember that the lid of your treated eye will be sensitive. Precautions should be taken if you are exposed to a great deal of sunlight. You should use sun screen lotion around the eye area. Sunglasses with high UV protection are also a good idea.
Your referring ophthalmologist will want to see you about 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. If you have been given any eye drops continue to use them until you see the ophthalmologist (or for a maximum of 8 weeks after treatment).
Please note that these are general instructions. Any effects will be different from person to person, according to the position and size of the area treated. Side-effects will concern only the treated eye and eyelid and no other part of the body.

Who should I call if I have a problem?

If you have any problems during or after treatment you can ring the proton radiographer on 0151 334 6366 (working hours). When you come for treatment you will given information on whom to contact in an emergency, outside working hours.