Upper Blepharoplasty: 3 Questions About Eye Protectors/Shields During the Operation

The use of protective on shields during upper Blepharoplasty surgery is determined by the surgeon.  In general, topical anesthetic drops are applied so that it is not uncomfortable.  Personally I do not use during upper Blepharoplasty procedures and have not found any increase risk in my practice over the past few decades

Corneal shields can be helpful, but can also introduce unnecessary risk into an upper eyelid procedure.  I do not use them for this purpose and do not feel there is a breach in safety by avoiding their use.

Using eye shields during blepharoplasty surgery is not essential to the safety of the procedure.  For upper blepharoplasty surgery only the outermost skin and occasionally muscle is removed.  The inner conjunctival lining and the deeper muscles of the eye are not treated and therefore should provide a protective layer for the eye.  Corneal shields are essential though if a laser procedures will be performed concomitantly with the blepharoplasty.  The laser can cause significant damage to the eye if not handled carefully.  Specifically visual impairment or blindness can occur if proper eye protection is not used creating damage to the retina or cornea.  Anesthetic eye drops will numb the eye so you don not feel the shields in place.