The Visual Field Test tells all

Richard P. Rand, MD answers: What are the requirements to have insurance cover blepharoplasty?

Excess upper eyelid skin runs in both sides of my family, and most have impaired vision by their late 50s. At 37, my upper eyelids hang over my lashes; the excess skin is about 1/2" when pinched with no apparent fat, just skin sagging over lashes. I'm used to it, but there is definitely an upper black line in my vision where the lids are pressing down, and I can "see" my lashes at all times.

What are the usual requirements to gain insurance approval with a good PPO? Is this even possible, or is it always considered cosmetic?


Richard P. Rand, MD
13 months ago
By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

It would be very unusual at your age to have an insurable amount of visual field obstruction, but not impossible. The Visual Field Tests are simple tests that have to be done by an ophthalmologist, not by a plastic surgeon.

If you have an ophthalmologist, they can arrange for you to have it done and then you can see if you are insurable. Expect major resistance from your carrier, however, as they will likely be skeptical of your "medical necessity" for an upper blepharoplasty.

Fortunately, the costs of upper lid surgery are among the lowest of all facial cosmetic surgeries and the results are great!

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