Severe dry eye after eyelid surgery. What can I do about it?

Question

3 months after upper and lower eyelid surgery I have developed severe dry eyes and blurry vision. I started restasis but it is not helping yet. My eyes feel very strange and uncomfortable. I do not know what to do anymore. Very unhappy!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In our practice, we will not offer blepharoplasty to someone with a pre-op history of dry eye, since surgery may worsen this condition of dryness. There are many ophthalmic lubricating drops and gels for symptomatic relief. You may benefit from an examination by a reputable ophthalmologist to see what might be best for you moving forward.Wishing you all the best.Dr Joseph

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Sorry to hear about the difficulty you are having. Fortunately, dry eyes usually improve after several months following eyelid surgery. In the meantime, chilled artificial tears and gels (GenTeal) can lubricate and feel soothing. Restasis usually works well as does a humidifier in your bedroom. Punctal plugs are a great option because they take 2 seconds to put in the eyelid and less than that to remove. Usually plugs make the eye 20-25% more most. If all these options fail, then see a cornea specialist. Good luck.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Some people will get dryness after any eyelid surgery.  Restasis helps, but you also need to make sure you are using lubricant drops multiple times a day, and lubricating ointment at bedtime.  Are you eyelids in good position?  Have you seen an ophthalmologist?  Punctal plugs can help with a dry eye.  For most people the dryness will improve over a 6 month period as long as the lid height and contours are good.

Chris Thiagarajah, MD · Answer

Punctal plugs may help your dry eyes. The best next step is to see a corneal specialist who can advise you the best steps. They can tell you 1. how much damage to your cornea is occurring if any 2. Treatments.

Severe dry eye after eyelid surgery. What can I do about it?

Answers (4)

Answer: Plugs may help

Answer: Plugs may help

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Severe dry eye after eyelid surgery. What can I do about it?

Answers (4)

Answer: Plugs may help

Answer: Plugs may help

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.