Dry eyes are one of the most common, temporary complaints after an eyelid surgery. Many people notice in the first weeks that their eyes sting, burn or actually water more than usual.
In most cases this is harmless and short-lived. Still, it is good to know beforehand why it happens and what you can do about it, so you are not alarmed when your eyes feel dry.
Dry eyes occur because the protective tear film temporarily becomes unbalanced. Once the eyelid blinks normally again and closes fully, that balance restores itself in most people and the complaints disappear.
In this article you can read how dry eyes develop, how long they last, who is more likely to get them and when to contact your doctor. That way you know exactly what to expect.
Why do dry eyes occur after eyelid surgery?
After eyelid surgery, the area around the eye is swollen. As a result, the eyelid temporarily blinks less smoothly and the eye sometimes does not quite close fully.
If the eye closes a little less often or less completely, the tear film evaporates faster and the eye feels dry. The tear film protects and moistens the eye, so when it becomes unbalanced, irritation soon follows.
The treatment itself can also briefly disrupt tear production, which adds to the dry feeling in the first period. Once the swelling goes down, this usually recovers by itself.
What do dry eyes feel like?
Dry eyes often cause a burning, stinging or gritty feeling. Some people feel as if there is a small grain in the eye that will not come out.
Strikingly, dry eyes can actually cause more tears. The eye then tries to compensate for the irritation with extra moisture, so it seems as if your eyes are watery while they are actually dry.
The complaints are usually somewhat stronger in the morning or in the wind and vary during the day. Looking at a screen for a long time can also make the dry feeling worse, because you blink less often.
Discuss it in a personal consultation with plastic surgeon David Jairath, at our clinic for eyelid surgery in Haarlem. A first consultation can usually take place within a week.
How long do dry eyes last?
For most people the complaints are temporary and decrease as the swelling subsides. So it is almost always a phase in the recovery, not a permanent situation.
The situation often improves within a few weeks, once the eyelid closes and blinks normally again. During that period it helps to keep the eye well moistened, so the complaints remain bearable.
If the complaints last longer or do not decrease, it is sensible to discuss this with your doctor. That way it can be checked whether another cause plays a role.
Who is more likely to get dry eyes?
People who already have sensitive or dry eyes beforehand often notice the complaints more strongly after the procedure. It is therefore important to report existing complaints before the treatment.
With a onderooglidcorrectie the chance may also be somewhat higher, because the position of the eyelid changes temporarily and the eye closes a little differently for a while.
In addition, age and certain medicines sometimes play a role in tear production. A good assessment beforehand helps to estimate the risk and tailor the approach accordingly.
What can you do yourself about dry eyes?
Artificial tears or moisturising eye drops during the day often give quick relief. These are available over the counter at the chemist. At night, an eye ointment can give the eye extra protection and prevent it from drying out while you sleep.
In the first period, avoid dry air, draughts, air conditioning and long periods of screen work, because you blink less then. Glasses or sunglasses outdoors can protect the eye against wind and drying out.
Always follow the aftercare advice of your clinic, because it is tailored to your treatment. Do not use any products on your own initiative without discussing it first, especially not in the first weeks.
When should you get in touch?
Get in touch if the complaints are severe, do not improve or are accompanied by pain and reduced vision. This is not part of a normal, temporary dry feeling.
If the eye clearly does not close properly, an assessment is also important to prevent irritation of the cornea. Persistent redness or the feeling that something is really wrong are also reasons to call.
A doctor can then take a look and, if necessary, recommend extra support or treatment. Raising the alarm in time prevents small complaints from becoming bigger.
How is the risk limited beforehand?
A careful assessment of your eyes and your blinking function beforehand helps to prevent surprises. The doctor looks at how well your eye closes and whether there are already dryness complaints.
By not removing too much skin and supporting the eyelid where necessary, the closure of the eye is preserved. A conservative approach reduces the chance of long-term complaints.
For people who already have dry eyes, extra account is taken of this in the planning. That way the chance of long-term dry eyes is kept as small as possible.
When do dry eyes become a permanent complaint?
In most cases, dry eyes after eyelid surgery are temporary and disappear as the swelling subsides and the eyelid closes normally again. For most people this is the case within a few weeks.
Sometimes the complaints last longer. This happens more often in people who already had dry eyes beforehand or whose eye does not close fully after the procedure.
If the eye continues to close insufficiently, the tear film can permanently evaporate faster. In that case an assessment is important, so the cornea stays well protected and irritation is prevented.
Persistent dryness is therefore not a complaint to ignore. A doctor can take a look, offer support and assess whether there is more going on than a normal, temporary recovery.
Advice on eyelid surgery at Kliniek het Bolwerk
Kliniek het Bolwerk specialises in eyelid surgery under local anaesthetic and pays attention to a safe, natural result. The eye area is the clinic's speciality.
During a consultation, Dr. David Jairath discusses your eyes, your expectations and points of attention such as dry eyes. That way you know beforehand what to expect.
You also receive advice on how to limit complaints after the procedure. Would you like personal advice about your situation? Book an appointment.
