What Causes Blurry Vision After Blepharoplasty?

It is important that you have your eyes examined. Normally, after belpharoplasty, you may have blurry vision from the ointment used to keep your eyes moist. You may then need to continue to use moisturizing drops to keep the eyes from becoming dry. Sometimes during surgery or after surgery when your eyelids are not yet protecting your eyes properly, you may get a corneal abrasion which can cause pain. However, for your vision to still be blurry three weeks after surgery is not typical. It is important that you have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist/specialist to ensure that nothing more serious is occurring. It may seem excessive, but you don't want to mess around with your vision.
I hope this is helpful.
David Shafer, MD
Shafer Plastic Surgery
Manhattan

During the course of a blepharoplasty, your surgeon may place
some ointment in the eye. In the
immediate postoperative period this ointment can lead to blurry vision. This is normally resolved in the first
24 hours.

















After any type of eyelid surgery
it is possible that the cornea may be swollen distorting the lens apparatus of
the eye, leading to some temporary visual disturbances. As swelling subsides, this problem will
go away. If the cornea itself was
scratched during the course of the procedure there will be associated pain and
possible visual disturbance. This
diagnosis can normally easily be made and appropriate treatment will resolve
the problem, normally within 24-48 hours.

Changes in visual acuity are not uncommon following blepharoplasty. There are several possible causes for changes in vision following this type of surgery. These can include the use of ointments following surgery, dry eyes following surgery and eyelid skin tightness which can change the curvature of the cornea.

Blurred vision can result from the use of topical ointments which are used for a variety of reasons in the post-operative period. In our experience, the use of eye ointment is the most common cause of blurred vision following blepharoplasty. For these reasons, we recommend the use of ointment at night and drops during the day.

Eye dryness following blepharoplasty can also contribute significantly to vision changes following this type of surgery. This is typically treated with eye lubricant. Usually, eye drops are used during the day, and longer lasting ointments are used at night.

Finally, tightness of the eyelids against the globe can affect the curvature of the cornea and cause refractory changes. This can be made worse when significant swelling is present.

When vision changes occur following blepharoplasty, it’s appropriate to consult an ophthalmologist. With appropriate management of these symptoms, vision usually returns to normal in a matter of weeks.