Lacrimal Gland Injury?

if, say, lacrimal gland/ductules are injured during ptosis surgery/upper eyelid bleph, does it end up healing on its own? I am nervous because my dry eye hasn't been going away and is quite low tear production even after many months, but my surgeon cant identify whats wrong? Do I need the help of an oculoplastic?

Tags:

dry eyes healing

Comment on this

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by AznFellow in Oregon

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (0)

Lacrimal Gland Injury?

Only for your peace of mind, YES, get a second in person eye opinion. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Lacrimal gland injury

If a ptosis repair was performedn, the likelihood of a lacrimal gland injury is extremely low. On the other hand, a blepharoplasty can cause dry eye and lubricants can help until the eye improves with time. If not you will need to see your ophthalmologist.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Dry Eyes after Blepharoplasty

In 30 years of practice I have never seen a dry eye after blepharoplasty that did not resolve and become normal. It is important to check to see if dryness is present pre op. If eyes are very dry pre op a more conservative procedure is indicated. Lacrimal gland injury is very rare. You will be fine but it may take 6 months. If the dryness persists visit you local opthalmologist and get an evaluation and other care suggestions. Keep your room... more

Lacrimal gland/duct injury with upper blepharoplasty/ptosis surgery?

While theoretically possible, the position of the lacrimal gland beneath and lateral to the bony orbital roof (actually inside the orbital rim) makes injury to this area extremely unlikely. However, dry eye after upper blepharoplasty can occur simply because the eyelid is in a more open, alert, youthful position which can lead to more evaporative loss of the tear film. This is particularly worse as all of us age, as the tear film loses some of its lubricating properties and evaporates... more

Dry eye is a difficult situation

Dry eye after blepharoplasty is not an uncommon problem, especially when a ptosis repair is performed at the same time, since now more of the eyeball is exposed. An injury to the lacrimal gland or the ducts of the gland is extraordinarily unlikely. The gland actually sits under the bony rim along the outside of the eye and the ducts go directly down on the eyeball, so an injury to the gland or ducts is almost impossible. I would recommend seeing an ophthalmologist so an appropriate... more

Injury to the ductules improbable.

Ptosis surgery lifts and opens the upper eyelid. While your eyes look brighter, the larger eye does experience increase evaporative loss that may contribute to dry eye. Any motor nerve injury affecting the blink rate can also bear on the situation. Seeking a second opinion from an oculoplastic surgeon is an excellent idea. The American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery maintains a directory on their website that can help you locate a well... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Dry eye after lid surgery

Dry eye is a possibility after ptosis repair but injury to the lacrimal gland/ductules would be unusual by an experienced surgeon. I would recommend seeing an ophthalmologist or an oculoplastics surgeon to determine the etiology of your dry eye and to direct treatment so that you have relief of your symptoms.