Risk of Eyelid Surgery Causing Permanent Blindness or Double Vision

There is no procedure without risk.  In fact, the risk of driving to work every day may outweigh those of some procedures offered.  The risk of permanent visual damage following blepharoplasty is less than 1%.  The best way to avoid this is close observation and follow up.  If pain evolves following surgery or there is even a hint of visual obstruction, immediate attention can avoid long term problems.  It is sometimes the result of bleeding, which, if immediately controlled, is inconsequential.

The risk is very small and your surgeon can take steps to further control and reduce the risk of bleeding behind the eye which is by far the most common basis for this problem.  One thing you can do is avoid medications, over the counter products and herbal preparations that are likely to increase the risk of bleeding.  Products like Aspirin, Advil, and all nonsteroidal antiiflammatory agents, and herbal products like Ginko increase this risk.  Many people are on drugs that reduce the risk of making clots like Plavix.  There are medical risks of discontinuing these products without the strict guidance of your physician.  It is important that you disclose to your potential surgeon what you are taking.  When there is a medical reason for anticoagulation, it is generally advisable to postpone cosmetic eyelid surgery.  The risk of bleeding behind the eyelid with an increased risk of visual loss is one reason.  Another reason is that eyelid hemorrhage also can compromise the surgical outcome.

It is true that both blindness and double vision are potential complications of eyelid surgery.  However, these are exceedingly rare complications in experienced, conscientious hands.  Informed consent is the Surgeon's duty and it is the patient's responsibility to weigh the risks and benefits of any procedure.  See an experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon, Occuloplastic Surgeon, or Plastic surgeon when considering eyelid surgery.

The chance of permanent blindness or double vision is extremely rare in upper or lower blepharoplasty surgery. Uncontrolled bleeding immediately would cause these types of issues. The eyes are protected during the time of the surgery with corneal eye protectors. We avoid using the laser around the eyes because of any risk of the laser damaging the eyesight. Careful and meticulous surgery is very important and when performed in a controlled surgical environment the risk is very, very minimal.  

Caution with an attention to safety is a top priority with any surgical procedure.  With eyelid surgery the eye itself must be protected as well as any bleeding controlled.  These two problems could lead to vision problems following eyelid surgery.  You will be instructed to be off medications that could lead to abnormal bleeding prior to surgery.  There is a risk with any procedure but with skill and attention to detail this will be kept to an absolute minimum.