How Do You Protect Eyes from Lasers when Treating Loose Eyelid Skin?

Laser (or other device) treatment of skin of upper and lower eyelids is very common. Eye protection for patient and operator is necessary to avoid injury from direct or indirect exposure. There are different types of eyewear used depending upon laser (device) and proximity to eye. Most of the time we use external metal shields that look like eyeprotection one would wear in a tanning booth. For use closer to eyelashes we would use an internal shield - basically a metal contact lens.

In order to treat within the orbital rim (inside the bony rim around the eye) you need to place special laser protective eye shields.  This is quite simple to do.  A few drops of an eye anesthetic are placed in they eye, followed by a lubricant and then the eye shield.  The biggest problem patients have is the anxiety associated withthe physician putting the shields in, but most find it much simpler than than they imagined.  Any experienced laser surgeon should have these readily available, as they are a must for treating close to the eyelid margin.  Be sure to consult with your experienced, board certified aesthetic surgeon, such as a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon.  You will be pleased with your results.

If the eyelid is treated up to the eyelashes, there are different types of eye protection that doctors can use depending on the energy source.  Radiofrequency such as Thermage involves the use of plastic sterile eyeshileds placed by the physician similar to the manner in which contact lenses are placed. For many lasers, sterile smooth metal eyeshields are placed in lieu of the plastic mentioned above. There are other ways in which it can be done. The physician should discuss with you the procedure they will use.