Question
My good friend had a situation arise after having an artificial heart valve implanted. Post-operation, there’s spasm of the optic nerve and congestion, leading to complete blindness. Is it appropriate to drink some alcohol?
Answer
Based on the situation you described, it is possible that the implantation of the artificial heart valve could have led to blindness. The patient should pay attention to rest, relax their mood, and it’s best to visit an ophthalmology department in the hospital for symptomatic treatment. They should take regular breaks, avoid overexertion, and maintain a light diet, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Artificial heart valves come in two types: biological valves and mechanical valves, with a lifespan of 15-20 years. Biological valves are suitable for individuals over 65 years old, as they have hemodynamics more in line with human needs, good biocompatibility, and do not require lifelong anticoagulant medication after surgery. However, attention should be paid to the use duration to avoid calcification leading to a second surgery.