Will upper eyelid surgery affect my dry eyes?

Question

I have a chronic dry eye does upperlid surgery effect my dry eyes?

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

Blepharoplasty in patients with dry eye syndrome

Any type of surgery on the eyelids of patients with dry eye syndrome can 
worsen the condition.  Nevertheless, in a very motivated patient some type of 
improvement in eyelid appearance can be done.  First, the dry eye condition has 
to be addressed and treated with all the available modalities.  Then a very 
specific surgical plan can be discussed to improve the appearance of the eyes.  
Depending on specific anatomic presentation this can include – removing the fat, 
adding some fat, defining the upper lid crease, removing some skin, skin 
resurfacing etc.  Seek out a very experienced and talented surgeon to analyze 
your particular case.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In our practice, we do not offer upper blepharoplasty to patients with chronic dry-eye. Your upper eyelids function to spread the tear film over your eyes. Ensuing scar tissue after a conservative blepharoplasty could worsen the function of your upper eyelids and exacerbate your dry-eye condition.Hope this helps you.Dr. Joseph

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

If you have a preexisting dry eye, even just swelling from the upper blepharoplasty will make your dry symptoms worse.  This typically improved after 6 weeks.  Depending on the severity of your dry eye, it might be appropriate to have a skin only upper blepharoplasty that does not violate the orbicularis oculi muscle or perhaps avoid upper eyelid surgery all together.  Cutting skin and the orbicularis oculi muscle will cause some degree of upper eyelid closure weakness that is often permanent.  This may not be a problem for someone with mild dry eye but is can be a profound problems for someone with significant dry eye.  I would recommend assessment by a fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon and a frank discussion of your dry eye status.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Conservative upper blepharoplasty should not affect existing dry eyes. If done aggressively where the eye closure/blinking function is affected, then it can make dry eyes worse.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Upper eyelid surgery can affect dry eyes if too much skin is removed. See a very experienced facial surgeon for the best results and to prevent this.

Will upper eyelid surgery affect my dry eyes?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dry eye after upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Dry eye after upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Upper eyelid surgery can affect dry eyes.

Answer: Upper eyelid surgery can affect dry eyes.

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Will upper eyelid surgery affect my dry eyes?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dry eye after upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Dry eye after upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Upper eyelid surgery can affect dry eyes.

Answer: Upper eyelid surgery can affect dry eyes.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.