Dry Eye after Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are often one of the first features to give away your age. When the eyelids begin to sag and droop and the skin becomes lax, an individual can look older than their actual age. To achieve a more youthful, refreshed look, eyelid surgery can turn back the hands of time. The surgery is also a good way to improve vision since droopy eyelids can affect eyesight.
At our Buffalo, NY, practice, dry eye after eyelid surgery is common, so we discuss this and other side effects during a consultation. Our goal is to educate patients every step of the way to ensure they are informed in all aspects of their care. Dr. David Sherris works closely with his patients to provide attractive, natural results.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery?
Good candidates for eyelid surgery are patients over 30 who have experienced a change in their eyelids. This surgery works best for individuals with:
- Fatty deposits in the upper eyelids that cause a puffy look
- Sagging skin that impacts the contour of the eyelid
- Bags under the eyes
- Wrinkles and excessive skin around the lower eyelid
Patients should also be in generally good health. It is important to advise your surgeon if you have a heart condition, diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, detached retinas, or other eye diseases. The surgery is also more effective for non-smokers.
What Are the Different Types of Procedures?
Dr. Sherris consults with patients at our Buffalo location to determine whether to offer standard eyelid surgery, the pinch technique, or transconjunctival surgery. The standard surgery involves removing excess muscle, fat, and tissue from the upper and lower eyelids as needed.
The pinch technique is less extensive and is for patients who only have minor sagging and excessive skin in the lower eyelid area. With the transconjunctival procedure, it is best for patients who have puffiness or extra fat on the lower eyelids.
Who Is Most at Risk for Dry Eye?
Dry eye is most common for patients who receive surgery on both the upper and lower eyelids. Patients who previously have dealt with dry eyes or who have issues with contact lenses also tend to have this side effect more often. Hormonal changes can also increase your chances of developing dry eyes, especially for women starting birth control or going through menopause.
Why Is My Eye Dry after Surgery?
Dry eye after eyelid surgery occurs for several reasons. One is that the tear film is impacted during surgery. This thin layer of fluid is activated when you blink to keep the eyes moist. Since the eyes swell following eyelid surgery, the ability for a patient to blink is affected. Consequently, the cornea is not covered adequately by the tear film, which causes a dry feeling.
In some cases, the procedure alters the composition of the tear film, leading to dry eyes. In rare instances, a patient’s tear duct is impacted when the surgery is performed on the lower eyelid. This leads to less moisture production.
After surgery, environmental elements like the sun and wind can dry out the eyes since they are more sensitive. That is why patients need to keep their eyes properly protected. Your surgeon will provide instructions on protecting your eyes.
What Can I Do About Dry Eye?
Luckily, dry eye is a short-term symptom that typically goes away on its own. For most patients, over-the-counter ointments and eye drops can relieve the discomfort. Placing a cold compress on the eyes to reduce swelling can improve your ability to blink and produce tears. Individuals who have prolonged dryness may need to wear temporary contact lenses to enhance eye moisture.
Schedule Your Consultation
For more information about eyelid surgery at our Buffalo practice, please call us at (716) 884-5102 or schedule a consultation online. Our team is available to answer any questions about the procedure.