Insurance Coverage for Double Eyelid Surgery?

February 24, 2009
Asked By:lilywang2009 in Troy, MI, U.S

I wear contact lenses about two years ago. Then due to a heavy college workload I would wear them for extended periods of time (from about 7AM to 12AM). Suddenly I began to get horrible eye infections and when I went to see an eye doctor he told me that I had scarring on the edge of my cornea and recommended that I stop wearing contacts. However, I am near-sighted in one eye and far-sighted in the other and wearing glasses for longer than 2-3 hours causes horrible migraines. I've gone to the ER countless times due to the severity of my migraines. When I returned for a follow up, the eye doctor stated that the reason I was so infection-prone was because my eyelids were very tight in the inner corners, causing my eyelashes to rub against my eyes, and when combined with the contacts, led to infection. My eye doctor then recommended that when I turned 20 (which I am now), I should ask him to re-examine my eyes and he would refer me to a plastic surgeon for a double eyelid surgery. He stated that due to the nature of my condition, it was likely that my insurance would cover the costs. Do insurance companies commonly do this? I know I have excellent coverage so would this make a difference.

Answers (7)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
March 1, 2009

Answer: You may get coverage for the functional, not cosmetic reasons.

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David Shafer, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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VOTED MOST HELPFUL
March 1, 2009

Answer: You may get coverage for the functional, not cosmetic reasons.

1 person found this helpful
David Shafer, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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MOST RECENT
May 20, 2009

Answer: Most likely covered by medical insurance.

William Portuese, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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MOST RECENT
May 20, 2009

Answer: Most likely covered by medical insurance.

William Portuese, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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February 27, 2009

Answer: Cosmetic double fold surgery is not covered but functional surgery should be

1 person found this helpful
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MDOculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology
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February 27, 2009

Answer: Cosmetic double fold surgery is not covered but functional surgery should be

1 person found this helpful
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MDOculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology
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