Eye is Bloodshot a Week After Blepharoplasty, Should I be Worried? (photo)

Question

On Nov 22 I got a revision lower blepharoplasty in right eye. Everything was fine till I woke up on the 29. My eye was bloodshot and more concerning was the top layer of my eye "scrunches" when I turn my head to the left and my iris to to the outer side of my right eye. A few days later the redness has subsided but the top layer still "scrunches." My eye does not itch and I can close it all the way. I don't know if I have chemosis. I am worried and want it to go away fast.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

the eye appears to have some chemosis and bruising..  it appears fairly normal for healing. see you doctor.

	ask about blephamid or tobradex drops..  use lacrilube  and tears

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The glistening swelling of the white of the eye is called chemosis. The amount of chemosis you are manifesting is mild. We think using artificial tears during the day and at bedtime use of bland ophthalmic ointment will help speed the resolution of this swelling. Untimately you simply need more time to have the swelling resolve.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

If there is any bruising of the lids sometimes this gets under the sclera of the eye. It is just a loose soft tissue plane. Neither of these issues is dangerous or abnormal. It sometimes takes several weeks to resolve.

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

Chemosis is an irritation of the conjunctiva due to exposure.  Tobradex drops and taping the eye closed at night should help resolve the condition.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

The condition you have is called chemosis and is rarely serious. This can happen following blepharoplasty and usually resolved with time. I would use artificial tears and an ocular lubricant and follow up with your surgeon.

Eye is Bloodshot a Week After Blepharoplasty, Should I be Worried? (photo)

Answers (7)