Eyelid surgery, chemosis, dry eyes, blepharitis. Can I use regular lubricating eyedrops or do they need to be preservative free?

Temporary dry eye symptoms are a given for almost all patients after upper or lower eyelid surgery.Usually the symptoms are very mild and easily managed.  I recommend that all of my patients use artificial tears drops frequently during the day for at least 4-5 days no matter what then on an as needed basis after that.  Most patients will benefit from using a lubricating ointment like Refresh PM at night for at least the first few nights.You do need to think about using preservative free drops / ointment in patients who may be having some added irritation from the drops themselves. Another good option to keep in mind is to add an antihistamine eye drop.  Good over the counter options are Alaway or Naphcon-A (but Naphcon also has an ingredient that helps to remove redness).  The advice above is good to consider for most cases of mild irritation that persists after blepharoplasty, but if there is any question there should be a low threshold to have the patient evaluated by an Ophthalmologist.

I would recommend an opthalmic ointment in order to keep the eyelid mucosa well lubricated.  Also an ointment with steroid like hydrocortisone to help limit the inflammatory response.  Talk with your surgeon for a prescription.  

We appreciate your questions but you really need in person eye care from a doctor not our over the internet guesses as to exactly what you need to be doing.Each of your questions/postings are about the same post op issues: chemosis, blepharitis. And this has been going on for over 2 weeks now! I highly recommend you see an eye specialist SAP to protect your vision at ALL costs...