What to avoid eating after glaucoma surgery

Nov 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

After glaucoma surgery, avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods, high-salt and high-sodium foods, greasy and heavy foods, alcoholic beverages, and excessive sweets. These types of food may affect intraocular pressure stability or wound healing, which is unfavorable for postoperative recovery. If eye discomfort or pain occurs after accidental consumption, seek medical attention promptly. Spicy and stimulating foods include chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic, etc.

After glaucoma surgery, it is advisable to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, high-salt and high-sodium foods, greasy and heavy meals, alcoholic beverages, and excessive sweets. These types of food may affect intraocular pressure stability or wound healing, thus hindering postoperative recovery. If eye discomfort or pain occurs after accidental consumption, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Spicy and stimulating foods: such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic, etc. These foods can easily cause internal heat and blood vessel dilation, potentially leading to ocular congestion and swelling, worsening inflammatory responses in the operated eye, and impairing wound healing.

2. High-salt and high-sodium foods: such as pickled vegetables, cured meats, and processed snacks. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention in the body, possibly increasing intraocular pressure—contradicting the core goal of postoperative glaucoma management—and increasing recovery risks.

3. Greasy and heavy foods: such as fatty meats, fried foods, and animal offal. These foods are difficult to digest and may elevate blood lipid levels, impairing ocular blood circulation and reducing nutrient delivery to the surgical area, which hampers inflammation resolution and tissue repair.

4. Alcoholic beverages: including liquor, beer, and wine. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels in the eye, causing fluctuations in intraocular pressure. It may also impair coagulation function, increasing the risk of wound bleeding, and exacerbate symptoms like dryness and discomfort in the eyes.

5. Excessive sweets: such as cakes, candies, and sugary drinks. Overconsumption of sugar may disrupt metabolism, alter the osmotic pressure of aqueous humor, indirectly affecting intraocular pressure stability, and potentially weakening immune function.

Diet after surgery should be light and low in salt. Emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein sources. Preferred cooking methods include steaming, boiling, stewing, and cold mixing. Control total daily calorie intake, maintain regular meal times, and avoid overeating to create a gentle, nourishing environment conducive to eye recovery.

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Can I take Compound Paracetamol and Dextromethorphan Syrup when my temperature is 38°C?

If the body temperature is 38°C without any cold symptoms, or if the fever is caused by other conditions such as bacterial infection (e.g., pneumonia) or autoimmune diseases, or if the patient has severe underlying diseases such as liver or kidney dysfunction or glaucoma, this medication is not recommended. Taking the drug in these situations will not address the underlying cause, may mask the true condition with its active ingredients, delay diagnosis, or exacerbate the burden on pre-existing medical conditions.