Droopy Eyelid After Cataract Surgery?

Question

Shortly after left eye cataract surgery I had swelling and pain in the eye and was put on a mild steroid drop for about 1 month followed by a much stronger steroid drop for about 6 wks to get rid of the pain and swelling.Two weeks after stopping the stronger drop, I noticed my left eyelid was droopy and was put on the mild drop again for about 10 days.I've been off all steroid drops now for about 1.5 weeks but the eyelid is still droopy.Did the drops cause this and will it heal over time?

Shannon Cox, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for an eyelid to get a little droopy after cataract surgery.  It is also possible for steroid drops to give you a droopy eyelid but that usually occurs in people that have been on them for a very long time.  The vast majority of droopy eyelids after cataract surgery will get better on their own.  I would give the lid 4-6 months to improve on its own before considering a simple procedure to lift the lid.

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

The droopy lid can be a sign of lingering subtle inflammation. Ask for the  surgeon to check you before you get drops to see if there is subtle redness of the outside or subtle inflammation on the inside of your eye. We often prescribe steroid drops like you got, but pharmacies universally substitute less effective generics which prolong the process. Not all generics are bad, but in the steroid world some are better than others despite looking like the same medicine.Droopy upper lid in one eye can happen. It usually resolves, if it doesn't it's easy to fix with ptosis surgery. You have to be careful that the other eyelid isn't mildly involved.

Michael K. Tracy, MD · Answer

A droopy eyelid after cataract surgery is not uncommon and in most cases will resolve within six months without treatment. If it persists after this period, the eyelid can still be repaired with eyelid surgery.

Droopy Eyelid After Cataract Surgery?

Answers (3)