What to do when your eyelids are obstructing your vision

As many already know, with age we begin to lose elasticity in our faces. Our eyelids are are also affected and loss of elasticity in the eyelids can cause them to sag or droop. This can lead to the obstruction of one’s vision and make them appear much more tired than they may actually feel.

If you are someone who has difficulty seeing due to drooping upper eyelids, a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can improve both your vision and the appearance of your eyelids.

Process for Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

In most cases, a blepharoplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons for those who desire eye rejuvenation. Here is what to expect from start to finish.

1. Schedule your consultation with either Dr. Thompson or Dr. Henstrom.
2. During your consultation, the upper eyelids are examined and a plan is determined.
3. After your consultation, if you decide you would like to schedule we can typically do a pre-operative visit while you are in the office. This is where all pre and post operative information is discussed and prescriptions are given. If you need time to think about if, you can call our office and talk to your Patient Care Coordinator when you’re ready to schedule.

Process for Functional Blepharoplasty

We also see patients whose vision is obstructed from upper eyelid laxity. Because of medical necessity, this surgery can be covered by insurance. When insurance is considered, there is a little bit of a different course that is taken in order to determine whether the surgery is medically necessary or not.

1. Find out if the facial plastic surgeon accepts your insurance. You can do this by calling your insurance company and finding out if your desired surgeon is in network.
2. Once you find out if your insurance is accepted, call our office to schedule a consultation for an upper blepharoplasty. During your discussion with our receptionist, please inform them that you believe your upper eyelids are obstructing your vision.
3. During your consultation, your surgeon will examine the upper eyelids and will then refer you to an optometrist for a visual field test.
4. During your visual field test with an optometrist, they perform a test with your eyelids taped and untaped.
5. Your results are then shared with you and with our office. If the optometrist determines that your vision is in fact being obstructed, you are an appropriate candidate and insurance will typically cover the procedure. If your optometrist determines that your vision is NOT being affected, insurance will not cover the surgery but you can consider paying the cosmetic fee if you would still like to follow through with the surgery.
6. Next, your patient care coordinator will schedule your pre-operative visit and your surgery.

To learn more about eyelid surgery in Draper, Layton, SLC and surrounding areas in Utah, please call our office at (801) 776-2220 or contact us HERE.