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Upper Blepharoplasty: 3 Questions About Eye Protectors/Shields During the Operation

1) Do eye protectors have to be used during the upper blepharoplasty operation? (mainly skin will be removed/paid by insurance) 2) If so, will they be uncomfortable for the patient with having only local anesthesia along with oral sedation? On youtube Blep videos, they seemed awkward and that they may hurt. 3) If they are not used, is there a safety issue? If they are uncomfortable, I am thinking that that may be a factor in choosing to have the IV versus what I desire as noted above.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by 779296anon in Florida

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Corneal Protectors/Eye shields not used by all surgeons

The use of protective on shields during upper Blepharoplasty surgery is determined by the surgeon. In general, topical anesthetic drops are applied so that it is not uncomfortable. Personally I do not use during upper Blepharoplasty procedures and have not found any increase risk in my practice over the past few decades

Use of Corneal Shields

Corneal shields can be helpful, but can also introduce unnecessary risk into an upper eyelid procedure. I do not use them for this purpose and do not feel there is a breach in safety by avoiding their use.

Shields and eyelid surgery

When I am doing upper eyelid surgery I do not routinely use eyelid shields and have had no problems in 33 years.I think this is a surgeon's choice/preference.I fill simple is always the best.

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Eye Protection During Blepharoplasty

Using eye shields during blepharoplasty surgery is not essential to the safety of the procedure. For upper blepharoplasty surgery only the outermost skin and occasionally muscle is removed. The inner conjunctival lining and the deeper muscles of the eye are not treated and therefore should provide a protective layer for the eye. Corneal shields are essential though if a laser procedures will be performed concomitantly with the blepharoplasty. The laser can cause... more

No, eye shields do not hurt

I use them often in many kinds of eyelid operations, often under only local anesthesia. The anesthetic eyedrops numb the surface of the eye. Some procedures such as cutting with a radiofrequency unit or electrocautery can have some risk for the eye. But some doctors work without them. You should not expect any significant discomfort from the shields.

Jeffrey Schiller, MD

6 reviews

Staten Island Oculoplastic Surgeon

Upper Blepharoplasty: 3 Questions About Eye Protectors/Shields During the Operation

If you do your research on the internet or on forums you will read comments from surgeons who advocate eye shields for every procedure or state that they are not necessary. I don't use eye shields for upper or lower blepharoplasty as the eyelid itself can be used to protect the eye during the procedure. In reconstructive cases where a portion, or all, of the eyelid is being reconstructed I will use an eye shield as there is inadequate tissue to protect the eye during the procedure. To... more

Upper blepharoplasty - eyelid surgery

For upper blepharoplasty alone, your eyes are closed during the entire operation, and there are no incisions made on the inner aspect of the eyelids. Therefore, your eyes are protected and I do not use eye shields during the operation. Upper eyelid surgery is very well tolerated with local anesthesia alone. Some surgeons, prefer to place a shield during the time of surgery, and although they appear to be uncomfortable, they will place some anesthetic drops in the eyes prior to... more

Upper Blepharoplasty with eye shields

Upper Blepharoplasty surgery can definitely be done without eye shields. Each doctor may have a preference on whether to use them or not. If they are used, normally numbing drops are placed into the eyes first, so that the shields are not uncomfortable. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon to see what your options are in regards to the surgery.

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