Eyelid Surgery: Q&A
Ask a QuestionWill Bleph Effect Dry Eyes Problem?
Male 59 years considering Quad Bleph. I have had dry eye problems for several years, would this procedure effect that one way or the other? Thanks, Rob
let me know if additional information is required
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18 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
robjl
in Ridgefield,CT
+2
See an ophthalmologist
Rob,
If you have dry eyes and you are considering blepharoplasty, it may be helpful to have an ophthalmologic exam prior to your surgery. While certain procedures can help, it is also possible that blepharoplasty could worsen the symptoms. Just make sure you explore all your options before having surgery.
+2
More related to the extent of dry eye that you have
Blepharoplasty will certainly not make your dry eye better. However, you may have to increase your use of artifical tears for several weeks; your ultimate need for the tears may not significantly change once you've recovered from surgery. I've done several patients with this problem and all have returned to their pre-op use of the tears.
+2
Could make it worse except in one case!
In general Quad bleph will not improve dry eyes and could make your dry eye condition worse. Any patient with dry eye is a relative contraindication for blepharoplasty or at least the plastic surgeon need to proceed with extreme caution.
However, there is one condition that might benefit from lower bleph if the desired effect is to raise the lower lid to cover a greater portion of the cornea. It must include a canthopexy or canthoplasty to maneuver the ligaments that support the lower lid....
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Dry eyes and blepharoplasty
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Eyelid surgery might aggravate dry eye syndrome.
Eyelid surgery can aggravate dry eyes especially in the short term. I have my patients see an ophthamologist prior to any surgery to evaluate the magnitude of the problem and the plan to treat problems if surgery is performed. Occasionally the ophthamologist will advise against surgery.
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Blepharoplasty can make dry eyes worse.
Hi.
I wouldn't say absolutely that you cannot have blepharoplasty done, but you need to be very careful. It must be done conservatively, by a real expert, and the lower lids need to be perfectly supported. I would consult two different ophthalmologists.
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Blepharoplasty should not be done on patients with Dry Eyes Syndrome
Dry eyes are a serious contraindication for blepharoplasty. Excess skin is removed during blepharoplasty which tends to open the eye, exposing the eye to more air which has a drying effect and can make dry eyes worse.
Serious dry eyes can lead to damage to the cornea a very serious condition.
Lower blepharoplasty done through an external eyelid incsion is a particular risk. Often the incision weakens the eyelid, a condition called ectropion in which the lower eyelid droops down in a sad...
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+1
Consult your ophthalmologist
There is a 2% to 3% chance that performing a blepharoplasty will indeed make your dry eyes worse. Make sure that a portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle on the upper lids is not removed. Check with your ophthalmologist and document the amount of dryness in your eyes and give some consideration to both eye drops and silicone ductal plugs, which can help with the dry eye.
+1
Dry eyes is a warning
You can dry eyes for many different reasons. But if dry eyes is a result of a functional problem with your eyelids then these problems should be evaluated and treated. If you have dry eyes because you produce small amounts of tears, then any surgery should be minimal to avoid any pulling on the upper or lower eyelids. In this case, less is more!
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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