My 7-year-old is having eye surgery in 2 weeks to correct his wandering eye (lazy eye). Has anyone had kids who went through this procedure already? I understand it is a simple procedure; however, I am more concerned with the recovery. What can I expect? And, the doctor suggests not to watch tv afterwards. What can a little one do during his spring break while recovering (and I have 3 other sons as well to consider)?
Has he had eye therapy? Dr. Rosenow is a wonderful eye doctor that is really good in that field.
My son had the same surgery when he was 18 months old. I thought that when he came home from surgery he would be tired and we would rest because I didn't sleep the week before because I was so worried. Well, that was not the case. Once he woke up from anesthesia he was running around the house completely normal and happy. His eye was a little red, but other than that he was absolutely himself. My doctor said he can do anything he wants except play in the sand at the park. I was so worried about the surgery and recovery and everything went so smooth. Just keep an eye on him but you will be surprised how well he does after surgery. You should still be able to go out and do things during spring break. I have six kids and they were fine during recovery. They were sort of disappointed because they thought they were going to be able to take care of their little brother. Also, my son came home and watched TV our doctor never said not to watch TV.
I actually had this surgery when i was 8 and remember it being slightly uncomfortable afterwards. Perhaps you could go to the library and check out some books on tape or CD. also ask siblings to read or play cards with him.
take care
M.
I'm having the same surgery at age 32 next week! It sounds pretty quick and the recovery sounds painless - just resting after is key.
If your son likes books - maybe order some books on audible.com or itunes and he can download to an iPod and rest his eyes? That's my plan :)
Our son had this surgery 2 years ago on both eyes at the age of 5. Yes, I remember my husband and I were fairly stressed about the surgery beforehand, but evidently it is a common surgery and you have little to worry about. Our son was calm before the surgery because they put him on something to relax him on the I.V. After the surgery, his eyes were patched. As he came out of the anesthesia, he was disoriented and quite combative for about 15 or 20 minutes- he wanted to yank the I.V. out of his arm so we held him for that time- and the wonderful nurses plied him with several popsicles to distract him. Just an hour later in the car going home, he was just his usual little self. The surgery was on a Friday and he went back to kindergarten on Monday. I remember his only restriction was no physical activity (playground equipment, running, jumping and no sand box)for several days. His eyes were red for about 5-7 days. You will have a return visit to the doctor in a week or so after the surgery.
