Post-ptosis Repair and Blepharoplasty - Feels Like There is Something in my Eye

May want to have the inside of the upper lid thoroughly examined.  There should not be any foreign bodies (stitches) or granulomas (abnormal healing tissue) irritating the eye because most ptosis repair occurs beneath the skin of the upper eyelid.  You did not mention the time frame since your surgery but if it is very recent then the cornea may have an abrasion which is rare since the cornea is usually protected during surgery.  Revisit your surgeon or a board certified Ophthalmologist.

Dr. ES

Lynni, if you haven't already, report this sensation to your surgeon, and he or she will probably anesthetize the affected eye with drops and examine carefully.  Assuming there is no stitch visible that has pierced the palpebral conjunctiva (inside of upper eyelid where ptosis repair was), the tarsal stitch may be very close causing a small irregularity or bump that can create this feeling.  Dry eye may also contribute. 

There are various reasons for the sensation you are describing.  There could be a foreign body (a stitch or other) embedded in the upper eyelid (the doctor needs to flip the eyelid and look under the eyelid).  But the most likely cause is dry eyes, which can give you that sensation. Whenever an eyelid is elevated, it is exposed to air more and therefore it gets more dry, until the eye/body can adjust.

A thorough examination can determine what's causing your sensation.

Dr T.

There are a number of possible causes for the feeling you describe, but by far the most likely is dryness of the eye surface.  When a ptosis repair lifts the eyelid up, the ocular surface is more exposed to air, wind, dust, fans, etc. and its not uncommon for eyes to become dry from this.  There are many treatments for this condition, the most likely being lubricating, soothing eye drops, but this should be discussed with your surgeon.  "Calcium deposits" under your eyelid have nothing to do with your condition now, they are incidental. You did not state your age and you included no photographs so I can not comment on your result or why one eye "is not healing as as well as the other eye." You should discuss and review your condition with your surgeon, whom I hope is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon with expertise in ptosis surgery.  This is not an easy or simple surgery and it requires a masterful touch.  Best of luck in your recovery.
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Many times after eyelid surgery, due to the eyelids being more "open", there is a greater amount of evaporative tear loss leading to dry eye symptoms. I would suggest trying artificial tears 3-4 times per day and lubricating ointment at bedtime to see if there is an improvement. If there is no change, I would suggest seeing your surgeon to ensure there are no retained sutures causing irritation to the eye.