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

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 significant damage to the eye if not handled carefully.  Specifically visual impairment or blindness can occur if proper eye protection is not used creating damage to the retina or cornea.  Anesthetic eye drops will numb the eye so you don not feel the shields in place.

 

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 answer your specific question, placement of eye shields for procedures under local anesthesia is not unpleasant if done properly. The anesthetic drops mentioned by Dr. Asaria are also very helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS