Blurred vision after upper bleph. Is this normal?

Question

I had a upper blepharoplasty on July 9. I am healing fairly well but it is difficult to look upwards. My vision becomes blurred and I feel a strain on my eyeballs or eyelids. Is this normal? My doctor keeps saying everything is fine.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

You should not have blurred vision 7 days out from surgery. You may need a detailed eye evaluation. Other considerations include muscle swelling or pain medication use. Please revisit with your plastic surgeon.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Although in most cases these symptoms should resolve on their own, it would be wise to have a follow up visit with your surgeon or an ophthalmologist to make sure there is nothing to worry about.

Franklin D. Richards, MD · Answer

Though unusual to have blurred vision this far out from blepharoplasty surgery, it can happen and should resolve.The pulling sensation as you look up can also happen, but like the blurriness it, too, should resolve. You might feel more at ease if you had an ophthalmologist examine you.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Many people will have complaints about blurring after an upper eyelid bleph.  If you have been using an eye ointment, that will get into the eyes and create some blurring.  If you had a large amount of skin taken off, that can also change your glasses prescription due to a change in weight against the cornea and you may need to get that checked. The muscle that elevates the lid will have some swelling, and this is near the muscle that helps you look up.  So it is not uncommon to have a pulling sensation when you try to look up.  This will resolve as you heal further.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

It is certainly possible to have weakness and even double vision after eyelid surgery.  That being said, any changes in your eye's function is always significant.  I think that your vision changes are important to discus with your plastic surgeon and perhaps even your ophthalmologist.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

Blurred vision after a Blepharoplasty is very common and normal, and should restore on its own. The blurred vision is caused by swelling and tightness. You should feel much better with time as well.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

The most likely reason for blurry vision after bleph / eyelid operations is dryness of the eyes, but it's best to have it checked out if it's been 3 weeks already.  Your surgeon or an ophthalmologist would be the right starting place.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It is not normal to have blurred vision three weeks after a blepharoplasty. If there is a concern a consult with an ophthalmologist may be indicated.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

Its only been 3 weeks since surgery and you are still healing. Your blurred vision is only in upward gaze. Most likely due to residual swelling. You may benefit for anti-inflammatory meds. Keep your follow ups with your surgeon and protect your eyes from dryness and direct sun exposure. If your complaint persists past 6 weeks, I would have an eval by an occuloplastic surgeon.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

There is a muscle that may not be functioning as it should. This may be due to swelling or trauma to the muscle or nerve and I also do not know if you had this issue before surgery. I would see your PS for an assessment or seek a second opinion from an ophthalmologist. It should improve but if it is getting worse I would arrange a second consult sooner than later.

Blurred vision after upper bleph. Is this normal?

Answers (10)

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