Eyelid Surgery for Someone with Sjogren's Disease?

Question

I have rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's disease resulting in very dry eyes. I use restasis drops twice a day as well as plaquenil. If I don't use restasis, my eyes are actually difficult to open in the morning, burn during the day and I get bumps under the lids. I would love to have eyelid surgery because I want to look younger but is that wise? What is the risk? Would I be able to continue with restasis immediately after surgery?  Does anyone know a doctor who specializes in eyelid surgery for people with my complications?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

There is always a possibility of worsening your dry-eye after eyelid, cosmetic surgery. The post-surgical swelling alone will make most people's eyes temporarily dry.
You should consult a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss what you CAN safely do to improve the way you look and feel.
I hope this helps, and best regards.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Jahlie
You need a detailed consultation to determine if it is feasible for you to have eyelid surgery.  Surgery must be done very conservatively.  This means accepting less benefit than someone who does not have your issues.  Also, you will need even more aggressive dry eye support while you recover from eyelid surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Indeed, you do have dry eyes from Sj&ouml;gren&rsquo;s disease.  Continue taking Restasis and Plaquenil.  Regarding the upper eyelid surgery, it is acceptable to perform it; however, do not have any of the orbicularis oculi muscle resected during your surgery.  Be very conservative on the skin removal on the upper lids so as not to have a closure issue.  Punctal plugs should also be performed by your ophthalmologist to keep more tears in the eyes if you have not done already.  You will have a 3% to 5% risk of making the dry eyes even worse than you currently are after a blepharoplasty procedure.

Eyelid Surgery for Someone with Sjogren's Disease?

Answers (3)