How to fix hooded eyes to correct vision?

Question

I have had hooded eyes my whole life. Now that I am older (44), they have gotten much worse even though I have been religiously applying skin tightening creams. I wear glasses and my eyelids are so bad that they rub the lenses when I laugh or smile and they leave oil smudges several times a day. That can be really dangerous, especially when driving. Insurance - can this be corrected under "medical necessity" and not "elective cosmetic"? If so, what do I need to do?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For significant improvement, hooded eyelids require surgery if there is enough skin. For nonsurgical treatments: Radiofrequency (Thermage or Venus Legacy/Viva), injectable fillers, and a Botox brow lift can help contour the eyebrows and lift the eyelid skin. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.

Scott K. Thompson, MD · Answer

Greetings,Correction of this issue may be a covered procedure, but you first need to see your eye doctor for a visual field test.  Your peripheral vision will be tested in a natural position and then again with the eyelids raised out of the way.  The results of this test will assist in determining whether or not insurance coverage for correction is appropriate.  Good luck.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but you need to see an eye doctor first to document obscuration of your peripheral vision and then be evaluated by a surgeon who can diagnose just what your problem is and whether its all lid or if the brow is involved as well.  The recommended procedure would then be made.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

It would be best to first see an ophthalmologist to document whether or not your vision is partially blocked by excessive skin on your eyelids. If so, then a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) may be covered by your insurance, depending on your plan and benefits. If not, then it becomes a cosmetic procedre to improve the appearance of your eyelids.

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

For some individuals who have excess skin and fat of the upper lids, an upper lid blepharoplasty can improve their superior and peripheral vision.  You can undergo formal visual field testing at most eye doctor offices or visual care centers to determine if you might be such a candidate.  The test is painless and involves measuring points of vision with your lids taped and untaped.  If the test shows improvement with taping, your insurance may cover an upper lid blepharoplasty, depending on the specifics of your policy.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,You need to be seen by an eye doctor and have a visual field test performed. If the results demonstrate that you have restrictions due to the excess skin, your insurance should pay for the surgery.Best,

How to fix hooded eyes to correct vision?

Answers (6)

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