Once the eye is removed, and the surgery is complete, Thomas will have bandaging over the eye for a few days. Bruising and swelling is normal. They expect Thomas to remain in the hospital for 2 days following the enucleation.
This is the simplest diagram I found to visually show the above description:
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| image via www.rbsociety.ca |
I haven't heard specifics as to Thomas' situation. But, it is normal for doctors to place a temporary conformer into the socket after the enucleation. This conformer allows the tissues to properly heal before a permanent prosthesis is fitted, usually about 6-8 weeks later. The conformer is either clear or painted like an eye.
Thomas will still have to come for follow-ups to look for tumor development in the left eye. But, if he does develop any, they will be caught early. Any new tumors shouldn't impact his central vision.
I just had a suggestion. Our daughter had her right eye removed at 4 months. To keep her hands away from her eye so she could heal we put socks over her hands. But also, we used eye patches. The best ones we have found are Ortopad. They apply easy, they have cute patterns, and they do not leave a rash or irritation. Here is a website: http://www.ortopadusa.com/Products/Ortopad-Boys-Junior
ReplyDeleteThese eye patches helped over the 6 weeks until she was able to be fitted for her prosthesis. We also kept them handy in our diaper bag and her classroom backpack for those fun moments where she would pop her eye out. :)