Upper lid blepharoplasty in patients with LASIK

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Corneal Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Both excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and upper lid blepharoplasty can potentially induce or exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
• The cumulative effect of undergoing both LASIK and blepharoplasty on ocular surface health, specifically tear function, requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of upper lid blepharoplasty on tear secretion and tear film stability in patients with a prior history of LASIK.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 9 patients (18 eyes) who underwent CO2 laser upper lid blepharoplasty at least 18 months post-LASIK were studied.
• A control group of 18 eyes without prior LASIK or dry eye history also underwent CO2 laser upper lid blepharoplasty.
• Schirmer tear test and tear break-up time (TBUT) were measured pre- and post-operatively in both groups; statistical analysis used the independent t-test.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed in mean Schirmer tear test values between the LASIK group (19.07 ± 4.03 mm) and the control group (21.07 ± 7.03 mm).
• Mean tear break-up time values also showed no significant difference between the LASIK group (21.0 ± 3.55 seconds) and the control group (21.27 ± 6.79 seconds).

Conclusions:

• Upper lid blepharoplasty does not appear to negatively impact tear secretion or tear film stability in patients who have previously undergone LASIK.
• While both procedures can affect tear function, LASIK-induced dry eye is typically temporary, allowing for blepharoplasty after an appropriate interval with careful monitoring.