What started as a routine visit to my optometrist to check the blurred vision in one eye led to a series of complex events. The blurred vision was diagnosed as a film behind a lens implanted after cataract surgery. This could easily be corrected by a laser treatment. Dr. Terria L. Winn, ophthalmologist at Grene Vision in Wichita who performed the laser treatment suggested that I would benefit from eyelid reduction surgery. She made an appointment for me with Dr, Samuel W. Amstutz, ophthalmologist and plastic surgeon also at Grene Vision.
At my appointment with the ophthalmologist he said the first thing he noticed was how I raised my eyebrows to look at him. After reviewing my test results he said that I would benefit from eyelid reduction surgery and that he would also shorten the eyelid muscles at the same time to improve my vision. Since the surgery was for medical reasons rather than cosmetic ones Medicare covered the costs.
As time passes our facial skin and especially our eyelids often make us look older or more tired than we really feel. Drooping upper eyelids may result in diminished peripheral vision due to limitations in the upper and lateral fields.
Blepharoplasty, or eye tuck, is a frequently performed procedure to remove excessive skin and fatty tissue from the upper eyelids. It can restore a more alert appearance, widen the field of peripheral vision and in some cases, even resolve “eye strain” in those individuals using forehead muscles to help elevate their upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty is done through carefully placed incisions along the natural lines or fold of the eyelids.
I was informed before surgery that I would receive a mild sedation. In spite of cautioning the anesthesiologist that I was very sensitive to sedation the next thing I knew it was over an hour later and the surgery was almost over. I was asked to open my eyes so the surgeon could check whether both eyelids were even. There was no pain during or after surgery. I was ready to go home as soon as the surgery was completed.
The results of the surgery have all been positive. I have improved vision and less eye-strain when fatigued. It is difficult to ascertain whether the weak muscles in the eyelid were from post-polio syndrome or normal aging but it is logical this might be the case as many of our muscles have weakened. If you have droopy eyelids it would be well to have an evaluation done at a specialized eye clinic.
Elva S., Kansas, suder@dtnspeed.net