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Medical Reasons for Getting Blepharoplasty

Published on July 18, 2024

Mature woman eyes

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is often associated with cosmetic enhancement. However, many people undergo this procedure for various medical reasons that significantly impact their quality of life. Functional blepharoplasty addresses these medical issues, improving both vision and overall comfort. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the primary medical reasons for undergoing blepharoplasty and its numerous benefits.

Obstructed Vision

One of the most compelling medical reasons for blepharoplasty is obstructed vision. This can occur due to two main conditions:

Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis)

Ptosis involves excess skin on the upper eyelids that droops over the eyes, impairing vision. This condition can make daily activities like reading, driving, and using digital devices challenging. Ptosis surgery, a specific type of functional blepharoplasty, can remove the excess skin, restoring a clear field of vision.

Peripheral Vision Loss

Sagging eyelids can also block the upper and outer parts of your field of vision. This peripheral vision loss can be hazardous, affecting your ability to navigate your environment safely. Corrective eyelid surgery can alleviate this problem, enhancing your overall visual field.

Chronic Irritation

Excess eyelid skin can cause chronic irritation, leading to discomfort and inflammation. This issue manifests in two primary ways:

Skin Irritation from Rubbing

When the eyelid skin rubs against the eyelashes or eyewear, it can lead to persistent discomfort. This irritation can cause redness and soreness and impact daily life.

Inflammation

Persistent irritation often leads to inflammation, characterized by redness, swelling, and eyelid pain. Blepharoplasty can reduce this inflammation and provide relief by removing the excess skin.

Functional Issues

Blepharoplasty also addresses several functional issues related to the eyelids:

Difficulty Wearing Glasses or Contact Lenses

Excess eyelid skin can interfere with the proper use of eyewear, causing discomfort and fit issues. This can make wearing glasses or contact lenses difficult for extended periods, affecting your vision correction regimen.

Eyelid Malposition

Conditions like ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) or entropion (inward turning of the eyelid) can cause severe discomfort and require correction. Functional eyelid surgery can address these malpositions, improving both appearance and comfort.

Chronic Dry Eyes

Blepharoplasty can also be a solution for chronic dry eyes, which can arise due to poor eyelid function:

Poor Eyelid Closure

Excess skin can prevent the eyelids from closing completely, leading to chronic dry eyes and exposure to keratitis. This can cause significant discomfort and even damage the cornea over time.

Inadequate Tear Distribution

Improper eyelid function can affect the distribution of tears across the eye surface. An imbalance in tear distribution causes dryness and irritation. Eyelid surgery for dry eyes can help restore proper tear distribution, alleviating these symptoms.

Muscle Strain

When the eyelids droop, the forehead muscles compensate by lifting the eyebrows to keep the eyes open. This can lead to:

Forehead Strain

Overusing forehead muscles to lift sagging eyelids can cause chronic headaches and discomfort. Blepharoplasty reduces this strain by removing excess eyelid skin.

Recurrent Infections

Excess skin and poor eyelid hygiene can exacerbate chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, known as blepharitis. This can lead to frequent infections. Functional blepharoplasty can improve eyelid hygiene and reduce the risk of these recurrent infections.

Benefits of Medical Blepharoplasty

Undergoing blepharoplasty for medical reasons offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Improved Vision: Enhances peripheral vision and overall visual field, making daily activities more accessible and safer.
  • Increased Comfort: Reduces irritation, dryness, and muscle strain, significantly improving daily comfort.
  • Better Eyelid Function: Restores proper eyelid closure and positioning, enhancing overall eye health.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Eases the use of eyewear, reduces the risk of infections, and alleviates chronic discomfort.

Contact Us to Learn More

For more information on blepharoplasty in Detroit, MI, contact us and schedule a consultation. Dr. Lytle will provide an accurate eye assessment and help you relieve symptoms through eyelid surgery.