What causes blurry vision after blepharoplasty?

No complications occured during the procedure and I could see clearly for a week after the surgery. Now, three weeks after, my vision is extremely blurred. According to two physicians who examined me, there was no damage or infection present, only that my eyes are dry. I have been using the eyedrops and eyegel prescribed by the doctor, but my vision is still blurry. What could be causing it?

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12 answers to “What causes blurry vision after...”

A: Late blurred vision will require further exam

By Talmage J. Raine, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Initially your vision was normal and then it blurred three weeks later. Addressing the dry eye problem with saline and gel may be part of the issue. I have used gel on patients in the past and it has caused blurring just from the gel. Obviously you have to address the dry eye but you may want... more

A: Blurry vision after a blepharoplasty

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Blurry vision after a blepharoplasty is usually related to swelling of the sclera (whites of the eyes) and eyeball, which distorts the cornea. It is important to make sure that there is no corneal abrasion or infection present. In effort to prevent infection, antibiotic eye drops are prescribed for the... more

A: Many possible causes

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

I agree with the excellent recommendations of my colleagues. However, I do experience similar complaints in some of my patients at the 3 week period. Wound healing does result in some sensations of tightness which is due to scar tissue formation. Although you may not realize it you may not be completely... more

A: Blepharoplasty and blurry vision

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Blurry vision 3 weeks after eye surgery is not very common. This can be due to irritation of your cornea or even from overuse of lubricating ointment during the day. The lubricating ointment should be used at night and eye drops should be used during the day if the eyes feel dry. Seeing an... more

A: Drying of cornea.

By Adam J. Cohen, MD - Chicago Ophthalmologist

Dryness after upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be due to several causes. Most commonly, dry eye is the result of the eyelids not fully closing allowing for exposure and drying of the outer surface of your eye (the cornea). This condition is usually treated with lubricating drops and gel. In some cases tear duct... more

A: Visual changes three weeks following blepharoplasty is abnormal. Please see an ophthalmologist!

By Stephen A. Goldstein, MD - Denver Plastic Surgeon

There are numerous potential causes of altered vision following eye lid tuck---blepharoplasty. Please see a board certified opthalmologist and continue your follow-up with your treating surgeon. Your vision is too precious to take chances. Blurry visual changes three weeks following a blepharoplasty is... more

A: Several potential problems

By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Blurry vision shortly after surgery is very common. The swelling is often the result of edema in the cornea essentially creating a temporary "bad contact lens". Ointments can of course cause blurriness as well, especially the thicker ones often prescribed for use at nighttime. ... more

A: Gel only at night

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hopefully, the two physicians that examined you were ophthalmologists. If you are using the gel during the day, this could account for your blurred vision, especially if there is a relationship between when you started the gel and the blurriness. Use the drops 4-5 times a day and the gel only at... more

A: Blurring after surgery

By Robert M. Freund, MD - New York City Plastic Surgeon

The causes of blurring after surgery include: Swelling if the eyelids that causes a distortion of the cornea - this should resolve on its own. Dryness as a result of swelling of the eyelids. The lids do not distribute the tear film evenly across your eye , thereby distorting your vision. You may see... more

A: You need to see an Ophthalmologist.

By David A. Dreyfuss, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Blurring of your vision immediately after eyelid surgery is normal. The combination of ointment after surgery and slight changes to the cornea from the numbing medication can have a blurring effect. I consult all my patients not to worry about their prescription in the first 2 weeks, as it will come back to... more

More answers to What causes blurry vision after blepharoplasty?
New York City - You need to see an ophthalmologist soon
Sterling Heights - Do your eyes fully close after eyelid surgery?

Comments

aliu
109 posts
10 Nov 2008

Typically after upper eyelid blepharoplasty (which I'm presuming you had) there is no change in vision. That being said, a journal article written a couple years ago stated that post upper lid bleph patients can have a change in their refractive correction (ie/change in your prescription if you wear glasses or contacts). What is unusual about your symptoms is that your vision for 1 week after the surgery was normal and then became blurry. It could be something completely unrelated to your surgery. The best thing to do is get a full Ophthalmic exam including checking to see if you need glasses (or if your prescription changed) as well as dilated retinal exam to check the inner aspects of your eyes. If it is something related to the eyes themselves and not the surgery, picking it up early usually leads to a better chance of correcting it. Good luck!

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