Signs You May Need Droopy Eyelid Surgery

A closeup of a woman's eye

Do you have trouble keeping your eyelids open? Are they beginning to impair your vision? Drooping eyelids, also known as ptosis, are very common. They are often the result of age, as the skin around the eye loses elasticity and the eyelid muscles weaken. 

When this happens, excess skin or fat accumulates above and below the eye, causing sagging eyebrows and bags. This has made blepharoplasty, or “eye lift,” an extremely popular surgery. Read on to learn if you may be a candidate.

How Droopy Eyelids Can Affect Your Vision

Drooping upper eyelids may seem like only a cosmetic issue, but sometimes it can actually impact your vision. Severe drooping or sagging of the lids can compromise your peripheral vision, cause difficulty reading, and make it hard to drive safely.

People with drooping eyelids often report needing to tilt their head back or raise their eyebrows in order to see. This causes other side effects, like tension headaches and even migraines as a result of constant tilting or raising. Some also experience eye pain and excessively dry or watery eyes. While many patients undergo eyelid surgery to improve cosmetic appearance, this procedure also may improve vision and quality of life.

Signs You May Need Droopy Eyelid Surgery

Some cases of drooping eyelids can be treated without eyelid surgery, while others will need blepharoplasty to improve the condition. You may need droopy eyelid surgery if:

  • The skin on your upper or lower eyelids sags
  • You have trouble seeing due to your eyelids hanging too low
  • You find it difficult to keep your eyes open due to heavy eyelids

In cases where you feel your upper eyelid is interfering with your vision, the doctor can perform measurements and tests to determine if the procedure is medically necessary, in which case it could be covered by insurance.

How Eyelid Surgery Can Improve Your Vision

During droopy eyelid surgery, a surgeon removes the excess skin, lifts the brow or tightens the eyelid muscle that is causing the upper lid to droop. This may enhance your field of vision, allowing you to see more clearly. Many patients also report a much more youthful and well-rested appearance after having this surgery. 

Eyelid surgery can sound intimidating, but it is an extremely common surgery, and a caring surgeon will recommend a safe treatment plan. Florida Eye Specialists has some of the most experienced and highly trained eyelid surgeons in Jacksonville, Florida, including Dr. David A. Kostick.

Meet Your Droopy Eyelid Specialist: Dr. David Kostick

Dr. Kostick, an oculoplastic surgeon, is fellowship-trained in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, including surgery for drooping eyelids. Prior to coming to Florida Eye Specialists, he practiced at the Mayo Clinic for more than 15 years. The oculoplastics team is composed of surgeons like Dr. Kostick and specialized cosmetic consultants. They will walk you through all of your treatment options for droopy eyelids.

Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty: What to Expect

Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you will receive a cosmetic eyelid evaluation. At Florida Eye Specialists, this process involves an eye exam to measure your vision, eye pressure, ocular surface, and will determine if your eyes are healthy enough for surgery. We will also determine if your procedure may be covered by your insurance or will be a cosmetic procedure.

After discussing the surgical procedure with the doctor, you will meet with our surgical coordinator. You will discuss available dates for surgery, preoperative medical evaluation requirements, and procedure costs.

Learn more about what to expect and eligibility here.

Droopy Eyelid Surgery Cost

As a medical procedure, blepharoplasty can be covered by your insurance provider if your upper eyelid interferes with your vision. For a cosmetic procedure, costs range from $4,000 – $7,500 based on the patient’s case. Schedule a consultation with our oculoplastics team to learn more.

Droopy Eyelid After Cataract Surgery

It’s not uncommon for some patients to develop post-surgical ptosis after cataract surgery. The good news is that this side effect is often short-lived. Most patients recover within six months.

If drooping eyelids are obscuring your vision or making you self-conscious, you may benefit from blepharoplasty. Schedule an appointment with the oculoplastics team at Florida Eye Specialists to discuss your eyelid concerns and treatment options. 

About Florida Eye Specialists

Florida Eye Specialists is the largest multi-specialty ophthalmology practice in Northeast Florida, with offices in Fernandina Beach, Orange Park, Gate Parkway/295, Mandarin, Northside, Ponte Vedra Beach, Riverside, San Marco, Southpoint, Macclenny, Nocatee and St. Augustine. Florida Eye Specialists is a comprehensive eye care practice that features a complete spectrum of ophthalmology services. Our surgical services include cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery, corneal procedures, glaucoma treatment options, oculoplastic eyelid surgery, dry eye treatment, and even cosmetic and skin care services. Schedule an appointment at one of our thirteen locations.

 

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