When Do You Need Droopy Eyelid Surgery?

Do you have trouble keeping your eyelids open? Do you feel like they are 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 muscles supporting the eyelids weaken. This causes excess skin or fat to accumulate above and below the eye, causing sagging eyebrows and bags. This has made blepharoplasty, or “eye lift,” an extremely popular surgery. Read on to know if you may be a candidate for droopy eyelid surgery.

How Droopy Eyelids Can Affect Your Vision

Drooping eyelids may seem like only a cosmetic issue, but they 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 improves 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 your upper eyelid is interfering with your vision, the doctor can perform routine tests to determine if the procedure is medically necessary, in which case it can be covered by insurance.

How Eyelid Surgery Can Improve Your Vision

During droopy eyelid surgery, a surgeon removes the excess skin causing the upper or lower lid to droop. This enhances 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 and Dr. Ernst Nicolitz.

Dr. Kostick is fellowship-trained in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, which includes 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 comprised of surgeons like Dr. Kostick and Dr. Nicolitz as well as specialized cosmetic consultants. They will walk you through all of your treatment options for droopy eyelids.

If drooping eyelids are obscuring your vision or making you self-conscious, you can 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 one of the largest multi-specialty ophthalmology private practices in Northeast Florida, with offices in Fernandina Beach, Orange Park, Gate Parkway/295, Mandarin, Northside, Ponte Vedra Beach, Riverside, San Marco, Southpoint, 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 ten locations.