Extremely Sensitive Eyes Post- Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

I'm 5 weeks post upper and lower blepharoplasty. There is still swelling and general tightness and my eyes are extremely sensitive to light. My eyes feel dry and gritty and get very red, sore and tired, with often blurred vision. I massage them, use drops, rest them and wear sunglasses. What else can I do to improve this discomfort? Is it possible that my eyes have been damaged? Thanks

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by AussieChick2011 in Queensland, Australia

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Dry eyes after surgery

It is not uncommon to have dry eyes immediately after blepharoplasty surgery. Our lids act as windshield wipers over the surface of our eyes. Now imagine a dirty windshield with poor wiper blades and little water. While this is not an exact comparison it give you a picture. It is important to identify if you make enough tears, it the quality of tears is good, if you blink well and if the lid muscle strength is normal. There are also what we call corneal... more

You are experiencing dry eye.

Generally dry eye does improve to a degree after eyelid surgery. However, many of these surgeries weaken the function of the eyelids to briskly blink and also move tears around. You have two issues. First is immediate eye comfort. Your general plastic surgeon is likely to minimize your concerns. I recommend that you seek out your general ophthalmologist for dry eye treatment. Initially care is focused on drops during the day and ointment at bedtime.... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Dry eye symptoms after eyelid surgery

What you are describing are symptoms of dry eye or en over exposed cornea after eyelid surgery. Ask your surgeon for advice on providing moisture and lubrication to your eyes during the post op period...or he/she can refer you to an opthalmologist for this regimen.

Dry Eyes Post Surgery

I tell my patients that complete healing of the eyelids following upper and lower blepharoplasty can take up to 6 months. During the early phases of healing, it is very common to experience dry eye symptoms, grittiness and intermittent redness of the eyes. It is very important to be diligent with ocular lubrication during that time to protect the corneas. In your case, you may want to add a lubricating ointment, such as Genteal Ointment, to place directly on your eyes... more

Dry eyes after blepharoplasty

Aussie Chick, Judging from your postoperative bandages, it seems that you had more surgery than just an upper and lower blepharoplasty. Regardless, it sounds as if you may be experiencing dry eyes. There are other options aside from artificial tears to treat this issue, and some of these options do not involve more incisional surgery. I recommend you see your surgeon, or an oculoplastic surgeon or ophthalmologist to discuss treatment options.