Q&A with Top Doctors

What causes vision deterioration after myopia surgery?

Laser correction surgeries such as LASIK and LASEK correct vision by reshaping the cornea. If the cornea heals poorly or the shape does not stabilize properly after surgery, it may lead to decreased vision.

Myopia surgery may reduce tear secretion and worsen existing dry eye symptoms. Dry eye syndrome can affect the smoothness of the corneal surface, thereby impacting visual clarity. Improper use of the eyes after surgery is also a common cause of vision deterioration. If patients fail to develop good eye-use habits after surgery, such as prolonged near-eye work or excessive use of electronic devices, it may lead to vision regression.

Some patients may experience slight regression of refractive status within a period after surgery, meaning the surgical effect gradually diminishes. This may be due to the natural elastic recovery of the corneal tissue. Proper postoperative care is crucial for maintaining the surgical outcome.

If patients do not follow medical advice—for instance, coming into contact with water too soon, overusing the eyes, or experiencing external eye trauma—this may lead to decreased vision. Patients should seek timely medical attention, undergo professional examinations to determine the exact cause, and follow the doctor's instructions for appropriate treatment and adjustments.

avatar
Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
How long should one remain prone after macular hole surgery?

In ophthalmic surgery, macular hole repair is a common treatment method used to fix a hole that has formed in the macula, the central area of the retina. After surgery, patients usually need to maintain specific postures to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

If air is used for tamponade during surgery, patients may need to remain in a prone or head-down position for 3 to 4 days until the air is absorbed. However, if an inert gas is used, because the inert gas takes longer to be absorbed, patients may need to remain in a prone position for 2 to 3 weeks to ensure the gas effectively presses against the hole and promotes healing.

Four to six weeks after surgery, most patients can gradually resume normal activities, but should still avoid strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor to prevent increased intraocular pressure that could affect healing. During the prone period, patients should change positions regularly to avoid prolonged pressure on the same side of the face, which could lead to skin damage. Maintaining good blood circulation, performing regular leg exercises, and preventing deep vein thrombosis are also important.

Regular follow-up visits, vision tests, and fundus examinations should be conducted as directed by the physician to monitor the healing process.

avatar
Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
How long does it take for the double eyelid width to set?

Dble eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) is a common cosmetic procedure. The stabilization period for the width of the double eyelid after surgery is a multifactorial process.

During the first week after surgery, there will be noticeable swelling and slight bruising around the eyes. At this stage, the shape of the double eyelid is not stable and the width may appear wider than expected. Starting approximately from the second week, the swelling gradually subsides and the double eyelid crease begins to emerge, although the width at this stage still does not represent the final outcome. This process may last up to 4–6 weeks post-surgery.

In most patients, the width of the double eyelid gradually stabilizes 3 to 6 months after surgery. The exact time required for stabilization is influenced by multiple factors, including individual physical condition, age, surgical technique, intraoperative trauma, and postoperative care.

Patients should be patient during the recovery period and follow the surgeon's instructions for postoperative care to promote faster recovery and stabilization of the double eyelid. Postoperative care should include adequate rest, avoidance of strenuous activities, maintenance of ocular cleanliness, and regular follow-up visits to monitor recovery and promptly address any complications.

avatar
Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
How long after getting double eyelid surgery should the stitches be removed?

Dble eyelid surgery is a common cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that improves the appearance of the eyes and makes them look brighter and more vibrant by creating a new fold on the eyelid, known as the double eyelid.

The typical time for suture removal after double eyelid surgery is between 5 days to 1 week post-operation, although the exact timing depends on the individual patient's physical condition, wound healing, and the surgeon's technique and method used. Generally, younger patients with better physical conditions may have sutures removed slightly earlier, whereas older patients or those with weaker constitutions may require a longer healing period to ensure complete wound healing.

The exact timing for suture removal should be determined according to individual recovery progress and the doctor's advice. If the recovery is progressing well, sutures may be removed earlier; conversely, if healing is slower or there are signs of infection, suture removal may need to be postponed.

After suture removal, the surgical site will still require some time to fully recover. During this period, strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects should be avoided. It is important to keep the eye area clean to prevent infection, and to follow the doctor's instructions for appropriate post-operative care and follow-up visits in order to ensure optimal recovery and health safety.

avatar
Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
How to treat white spots on the eyes

Eye white spots typically refer to corneal or scleral leukoma, which may be caused by various factors such as infections, trauma, inflammation, or degenerative diseases. The treatment method for eye white spots depends on their specific cause and severity.

For small-sized white spots without significant discomfort, patients can adjust their diet by increasing intake of foods rich in vitamin C, such as apples and oranges, while maintaining good eye hygiene and avoiding rubbing the eyes with hands.

If the corneal leukoma is caused by an infection (such as bacterial, viral, or fungal), doctors may prescribe antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops or ointments. For white spots caused by inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid eye drops might help alleviate symptoms.

If the white spots affect vision, a corneal transplant surgery might be necessary. This procedure involves replacing the patient's damaged cornea with a healthy donor cornea. Patients with cataracts will need cataract surgery to restore vision.

For patients experiencing psychological issues such as anxiety or depression, psychological support therapy can help reduce mental stress and improve quality of life.

avatar
Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
What to do about extreme myopia

Ultra-high myopia, which generally refers to a myopic condition with a refractive error exceeding -6.00D, is a relatively serious eye disease.

Optical correction is the most basic treatment method, including wearing eyeglasses and contact lenses. By adjusting the path of light refraction, vision can be effectively improved and symptoms of blurred vision can be alleviated.

For some specific patients, orthokeratology lenses can serve as a non-surgical correction option. By wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight, the shape of the cornea can be temporarily altered, thereby achieving clear vision during the day and reducing dependence on glasses.

For patients wishing to be free from the inconvenience of glasses, surgical treatment can be considered. Commonly used surgical procedures include corneal refractive surgeries such as LASIK and PRK, as well as implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery. These procedures should be performed under the guidance of specialized ophthalmologists and are suitable for specific patient groups.

Avoiding prolonged near-eye work, appropriately increasing outdoor activity time, and maintaining good eye habits can help control the progression of myopia. If any physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for appropriate management.

avatar
Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
How to Remove Under-Eye Bags

Under-eye bags are mainly caused by aging of the eye skin, muscle laxity, and fat accumulation. There are various methods available for reducing under-eye bags, and the choice can be made according to individual circumstances.

Maintaining good lifestyle habits serves as the foundation, including adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise, which can help prevent the formation of under-eye bags or alleviate existing ones. Using eye creams or eye masks with de-puffing, firming, and moisturizing effects, as well as applying makeup techniques such as concealers and camouflage creams, can also improve the appearance of under-eye bags to some extent.

Laser treatment uses laser energy to stimulate collagen regeneration, tighten the skin, and reduce under-eye bags. Radiofrequency skin tightening heats the deep layers of the skin tissue using radiofrequency energy, promoting collagen remodeling and improving skin laxity.

The internal incision blepharoplasty is suitable for cases where fat protrusion causes under-eye bags but the skin elasticity is still relatively good. This procedure removes excess fat through a small incision inside the conjunctiva, leaving no visible scars. The external incision blepharoplasty is appropriate for cases with severe skin laxity, where excess skin and fat are removed through an incision made just below the lower eyelid lashes.

It is recommended to consult with a qualified physician and undergo a thorough evaluation before deciding on the most suitable treatment plan.

avatar
Dr. Wang Shuai
May 23, 2025
Can patients with pancreatitis eat crabs?

Pancreatitis patients can generally eat crab, but it should be consumed in moderation. If the condition is in an acute phase or is relatively severe, eating crab is usually not recommended.

The diet of pancreatitis patients should be light and bland, avoiding high-protein, high-fat, and high-purine foods. Although crab contains abundant protein, trace elements, and vitamin A, which are beneficial for bodily nourishment, it is also cold in nature and considered a high-protein and high-cholesterol food.

During an acute pancreatitis attack or when the inflammation has not fully subsided, fat intake should be strictly limited to avoid stimulating the pancreas to secrete excessive digestive enzymes, which may worsen the condition. At this time, crab—especially the crab roe and other high-fat parts—is not suitable for consumption. As the condition stabilizes and recovery progresses, patients can gradually transition to low-fat, easily digestible foods. At this stage, moderate consumption of steamed or boiled crab meat may be safe for most patients.

Even during the stable phase of the disease, pancreatitis patients should follow medical advice, arranging their diet according to individual digestive capacity and nutritional needs, avoiding excessive intake of foods that may cause discomfort.

avatar
Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
The cause of persistent distension and pain slightly above the right side of the navel

Persistent distension and pain slightly above and to the right of the navel may be caused by various factors.

Digestive system issues such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, or duodenal ulcer, gallbladder diseases (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis), and abnormal liver function can all lead to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen or right upper quadrant. Appendicitis is also a common cause; in its early stages, the pain may present as discomfort slightly above and to the right of the navel before potentially shifting to the right lower abdomen.

Gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis and gallstones can also cause pain in this area, especially when gallstones lead to obstruction or infection, resulting in more pronounced pain. Kidney stones or ureteral stones may sometimes cause abdominal pain, particularly when the stones are moving, leading to severe colicky pain.

For female patients, gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts and endometriosis may also cause abdominal discomfort. In addition, muscle strain, rib fractures, or muscle tension could also be potential causes of pain.

It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and undergo detailed examinations, including but not limited to blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, and CT scans, to establish a clear diagnosis and receive targeted treatment.

avatar
Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025
Causes of Hiccups from Eating Spicy and Hot Foods

Hiccups may occur after consuming spicy or hot foods, as these types of food directly stimulate the gastric mucosa, causing discomfort in the stomach and subsequently triggering hiccups. Particularly when the gastric mucosa is irritated, spasms or contractions may occur, which are direct causes of hiccups.

Components such as capsaicin in spicy foods and excessively hot foods can stimulate pain receptors on the esophageal mucosa. This stimulation signal is transmitted to the brain via the vagus nerve, prompting the brain to send signals causing contraction of the diaphragm in an attempt to eliminate or relieve the irritation.

When consuming these foods too quickly or in large bites, one may swallow excessive air, increasing gastric pressure and leading to hiccups. Chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers may cause delayed gastric emptying, prolonging food retention in the stomach, increasing gas production, and thus causing hiccups.

If hiccups occur frequently or persist for a prolonged period, it is advisable to seek medical examination to rule out the possibility of diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastritis. In daily life, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, as well as avoiding excessive consumption of spicy and hot foods, can effectively reduce the occurrence of hiccups.

avatar
Dr. Shen Yonghua
May 23, 2025