Did my upper blepharoplasty cause my extreme dry eyees, meibomian gland dysfunction and slow blink rate?

Question

Directly after my belpharoplasty operation I was diagnosed with extreme dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction, and a slow blink rate. I still have all three issues and it has been 1.5 years. My eyes had been in excellent health prior to the operation without any issues at all. What could have caused these issues to occur? Thank you.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The eyelid surgery unmasked but did not create your eyelid issues. Generally these will improve with time as swelling and eyelid function return. In the meantime symptomatic treatment with eye drops can ameliorate some of the symptoms.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Upper eyelid bleph does not cause meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis.  These are chronic conditions which you probably had pre-op.  You may just be more bothered by them post-op.  Same for the dry eye.  These issues can usually be improved with topical and sometimes oral medications.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

On the other issues probably no.  It is likely you had these prior to surgery.  A careful preoperative examination might had found the meibomian gland issue.  The question now is what are you doing to make your dry eye better.  It is helpful to see a cornea specialist or an oculoplastic surgeon for more comprehensive management rather than a general ophthalmologist.

Did my upper blepharoplasty cause my extreme dry eyees, meibomian gland dysfunction and slow blink rate?

Answers (3)