Heavy, drooping eyelids can do more than make you look tired and aged—they can also interfere with your vision. If you’ve noticed that your upper eyelids feel heavy or seem to block part of your sight, you’re not alone. Many people experience this as a natural part of aging.
At Collins Vision, we love to talk to our patients about upper blepharoplasty, a procedure designed to improve both vision and appearance so you can feel more confident about the way you look and see clearly again.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery. It is performed to correct drooping or sagging of the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin and fat and restoring a more natural contour and rested appearance.
When upper eyelids droop significantly—sometimes called ptosis—they may begin to block part of your field of vision, making everyday tasks like reading or driving more difficult.
Upper blepharoplasty can help:
- Improve vision in certain cases (functional blepharoplasty)
- Remove excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids
- Reduce the upper eyelid fold
- Sharpen the eyelid crease
- Create a more refreshed, youthful appearance
“Many patients are surprised to learn that eyelid surgery can be both functional and cosmetic, depending on their needs,” said Dr. Jason C. Friedrichs, board-certified ophthalmologist and eye surgeon with extensive experience in oculoplastic surgery. “Blepharoplasty can be a versatile procedure that helps improve both how you see and how you feel about your appearance.”
Am I a Good Candidate for Upper Blepharoplasty?
As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes can begin to sag, and the fat around the eye may shift forward. This can cause the upper eyelids to feel heavy and affect how you see and look.
You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery if you have:
- Excess skin, muscle, or fat affecting your peripheral vision
- Upper eyelid skin hanging over the natural lid crease
- Smaller or tired-looking eyes due to drooping lids
The best way to determine whether upper blepharoplasty is right for you is by having a consultation with one of our Collins Vision expert eye doctors.
How Upper Blepharoplasty Is Performed
Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, using local anesthesia, with the option for light sedation. Most patients return home the same day.
During the procedure, a small incision is made within the natural crease of the eyelid. The surgeon removes excess skin and fat and reshapes the eyelid to reduce heaviness and restore a more natural contour.
Most patients report minimal discomfort after surgery. Some swelling is common during the first week and can be reduced with cold compresses. Most swelling and bruising resolve within about two weeks, although mild swelling may persist for several weeks as healing continues.
Will Insurance Cover Upper Eyelid Surgery?
In some cases, yes.
Medicare and insurance may cover upper eyelid blepharoplasty if testing shows that drooping eyelids significantly impair your vision.
To determine eligibility, a superior visual field test is performed. During this test, the eyelids may be gently lifted with medical-grade tape to measure how much your vision improves. The results are then submitted to your insurance provider for review.
How to Get Started
The first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Friedrichs. During your visit, our clinical team will perform a comprehensive eye exam and carefully evaluate your eyelids and vision to determine whether drooping eyelids may be affecting your field of sight. We will discuss personalized treatment recommendations and review insurance coverage, along with the next steps in the process.
If testing confirms that your eyelids are impacting your vision, our team will guide you through each stage of care and help you understand your options moving forward.
A Clearer, Brighter Outlook
If drooping eyelids are affecting your vision or making you look more tired than you feel, upper blepharoplasty may be a solution worth exploring. With the right evaluation and care, we’ve helped many people just like you experience improved vision and a refreshed appearance.
The team at Collins Vision is here to help you understand your options and guide you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today.