As refractive surgery has grown in popularity, the number of people seeking blepharoplasty who have either had or are actively considering having LASIK has increased dramatically. Fortunately, the two procedures are very compatible. To maximize the chance for a good refractive result, however, several general guidlines related to proper timing and selection of eyelid surgical approach should be honored:
1. While either LASIK or blepharoplasty may be performed before or after the other, the two procedures should not be performed simultaneously.
2. If a blepharoplasty is performed first, you should allow six weeks or more to pass before undergoing preliminary LASIK calculations. Precise measurement of corneal shape and refractive status are critical to the success of LASIK. Following eyelid surgery, both of these parameters may be temporarily altered by slight but persistent swelling on the eyelids and/or on the conjunctival surface of the eyeball.
3. If LASIK is performed first, you should allow three months or more to pass before undergoing blepharoplasty. No matter how gentle your eyelid surgeon's touch, there is some stress placed on the cornea during the operation.
Since in certain circumstances some LASIK surgeons may prefer a longer interval (for instance, if an enhancement procedure is being contemplated), it is imperative to check with your LASIK surgeon before scheduling a blepharoplasty.
4. To lessen the chance of corneal stress after cosmetic eyelid surgery, it is more important than ever that any eyelid overcorrection be avoided. Poor lid closure, even if temporary, can be devastating to the healing cornea.
Since the most common adverse reaction following lower eyelid blepharoplasty performed by the traditional skin approach is eyelid retraction, this version of the operation should be undertaken with added caution. The transconjunctival approach to lower eyelid blepharoplasty is safer in this regard in that it rarely (if ever) results in a pulling down of the lower eyelid.
The best way to avoid inadvertent surgical overcorrection in upper eyelid blepharoplasty is to perform the procedure under local anesthesia with sedation (as opposed to general anesthesia). This allows for direct patient feedback during the operation.
5. Following LASIK, you may experience temporary or even permanent reduction in the production of the natural tears that lubricate your eyes. Since the force of blinking in the immediate post-blepharoplasty period is decreased thus resulting in a less efficient distribution of this already decreased lubrication, the feeling of dryness and some blurring of the vision may be noticed. The liberal application of artificial tears is helpful.
Once your eyes are no longer hidden behind thick glasses, it's nice to have attractive-looking eyelids. Just remember that your eyes and eyelids do interact. After a lifetime of waiting, there is no need to rush from one surgical procedure onto the next.
More Feature Articles 
