Can blepharoplasty damage your eyesight?

Author: Myles Feeney Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 8, 2023

That said, eyelid surgery can affect your vision in different ways — both in the short-term and long-term future. Immediately after blepharoplasty, patients may notice changes to their vision during recovery. As the tissues of the eyes begin to heal, it's not uncommon for one's vision to become blurry or disoriented.

Can blepharoplasty affect vision?

Patients often experience blurred vision immediately after having blepharoplasty because of the work being done to the upper and lower eyelids. This is caused by eyelid swelling, which can affect the cornea and cause slight distortion. This problem will usually get better by itself within a few hours.

Can eyelid surgery cause eye problems?

It is important for facial plastic surgeons to properly advise patients, especially those with combined procedures, that upper eyelid repositioning procedures may induce long-term vision changes. Patients may need to obtain new prescription spectacles and contact lenses postoperatively.

Can blepharoplasty cause blindness?

The most serious complication associated with blepharoplasty, though rare, is permanent partial or complete blindness.

How long does blurry vision last after upper eyelid surgery?

Your vision may be blurry for some time after surgery. It typically returns to normal after two or three days. Full recovery takes about two to four weeks.

Will a Blepharoplasty Affect Vision?

Can your eyesight get worse after surgery?

Postoperative vision loss (POVL) during non-ocular procedures is a devastating complication following surgery under general anesthesia. There is significant variation in the reported incidence of POVL ranging from 0.056 to 1.3% (1).

How long does it take for eyes to look normal after blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty Recovery

After blepharoplasty surgery, the eyelids will be bruised and swollen for one to three weeks. However, most patients say their eyes look normal and better than before after one to three months.

Can vision change after blepharoplasty?

Immediately after blepharoplasty, patients may notice changes to their vision during recovery. As the tissues of the eyes begin to heal, it's not uncommon for one's vision to become blurry or disoriented. Double vision may also occur from time to time during the healing process.

What are cons of eyelid surgery?

Cons of eyelid surgery
  • Bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
  • It could take 2-3 months to see full results.
  • Asymmetry of the eyes is possible.
  • Temporary double vision or blindness that often corrects itself within 24 hours.
  • Dry or itchy eyes.

What are the risks of blepharoplasty?

Risks
  • Infection and bleeding.
  • Dry, irritated eyes.
  • Difficulty closing the eyes or other eyelid problems.
  • Noticeable scarring.
  • Injury to eye muscles.
  • Skin discoloration.
  • Temporarily blurred vision or, rarely, loss of eyesight.
  • The need for follow-up surgery.

Can blepharoplasty cause glaucoma?

Acute ACG is a rare, but severe, complication after blepharoplasty. Eyelid coverage and infusion of local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors such as adrenaline/epinephrine with the addition of sodium bicarbonate may precipitate the onset of glaucoma in patients at risk for this complication.

What are the pros and cons of eyelid surgery?

The Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
  • Pro: You Will Achieve a More Youthful Look. One of the main reasons why people get eyelid surgery is to achieve a more youthful look. ...
  • Pro: The Road to Recovery Is Easy. ...
  • Con: Seeing the Final Results Takes Time. ...
  • Con: You May Require Additional Surgery.

Can blepharoplasty cause retinal detachment?

Potential Complications

Certain patient may potentially experience a complication during or after blepharoplasty. These complications may include ectropion, retinal detachment, or hematoma. However, these complications develop only in exceptional cases.

Who is not a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Individuals who have glaucoma are advised to speak with their doctor before considering the surgery to find out if it is safe for them.

Why do my eyes look smaller after blepharoplasty?

Answer: Post bleperoplasty swelling

Post surgical swelling of the eyelids always cause the eyes to appear more closed in the early post op phase. As the swelling subsides, they return to a more pleasing and youthful appearance.

Is 60 too old for blepharoplasty?

There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty. Patients in good health can get eyelid surgery even in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.

Is it worth having blepharoplasty?

The surgery is worth it for people who want to look younger and better rested in and around the eyes. The results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery is minor with little pain reported.

When is the best time to have eyelid surgery?

Winter is often the best season for eyelid surgery for a variety of reasons. Below you will find why it's the most helpful time in regard to your recovery and what to expect if you decide to move forward with the procedure.

How long does it take to fully heal from upper blepharoplasty?

Full blepharoplasty recovery time typically takes about 3 months but you can expect to get back to your normal routine after 2-3 weeks of healing. Below, check out a general guide on what you should expect for your overall timeframe.

Can blepharoplasty be undone?

Fortunately for our patients, the procedure can be reversed! This is done by resecting the sutured crease. Dr. Linville will then add a spacer under the skin to ensure that the eyelid cannot crease like that again.

Do Eyebags come back after blepharoplasty?

The results of your blepharoplasty become more visible as side effects, like swelling and bruising, subside. Most patients love their outcomes and do not seek repeat treatments. While future aging may cause your eye bags to return, this ultimately depends on your age, skin condition, and lifestyle choices.

How long do I have to sleep sitting up after blepharoplasty?

For the first 72 hours, sleep with your head in an elevated position, either in a recliner with your head elevated or sleeping on 2-3 pillows. No lifting or bending over. There will be a slight bloody dripping or oozing. Don't get alarmed.

Why is my vision messed up after surgery?

Despite the benefits of a numbed surgical experience, anesthesia can result in some unintended side effects. One such residual effect can be blurred vision - a side effect not caused directly by the drug, but often by an abrasion of the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye.

What causes blurry vision after eye surgery?

It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days and sometimes even weeks after cataract removal. Most of the time, this is caused by normal swelling in the eye which occurs as a part of surgery. Patients with larger, denser and/or firmer cataracts are more likely to experience more inflammation.

How long does it take for vision to clear after eye surgery?

While you will see better the day after surgery, your vision may be a bit blurry or hazy immediately afterward. These temporary vision difficulties usually clear up after the first few weeks. However, it can take about 2 – 3 months before your vision fully stabilizes and your eyes completely heal.

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