Can I get ptosis and LASIK surgery? Or will I have to sacrifice one for the other?

Question

I have ptosis in my upper right eye lid and am looking to have surgery, however I've been looking to Lasik ever since I started wearing glasses. I feel LASIK is more beneficial to me as I play sports and can't stand glasses but ptosis really has dented my confidence and I can barely maintain eye contact during conversation

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Lasik cuts the nerves that supply sensation to the cornea.  They regrow in time but do not have the same density of sensitivity to drying that they originally did.   This corneal sensation is a big factor in maintaining sufficient tears to prevent the cornea from drying.  Ptosis surgery can also contribute to dry eye. I do have patients who have had both lasik and ptosis surgery.  Some of them do have significant dry eye.  It is a concern.  I would wait a full year after lasik before having ptosis surgery.  The type of ptosis surgery you need will be a factor.  If you have ptosis surgery first, wait at least 6 months before going forward with refractive surgery.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You can have both eyelid ptosis surgery and LASIK surgery (at different times). Each can cause more dry eyes which has to be taken into account.

Can I get ptosis and LASIK surgery? Or will I have to sacrifice one for the other?

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Can I get ptosis and LASIK surgery? Or will I have to sacrifice one for the other?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Ptosis Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.