Why an Ophthalmologist Should Perform Blepharoplasty
Charlotte, North Carolina
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a commonly performed cosmetic eye surgery. The procedure removes fat and excess skin from around the eyes and may be an excellent option for you if your eyelids look “droopy.”
Both ophthalmologists and cosmetic surgeons can typically perform eyelid surgery. But choosing an ophthalmologist for this type of procedure can be a smart move. Consider the following in making your eyelid surgery decision.
Differences in Knowledge Base
An ophthalmologist who performs eyelid surgery is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has completed extensive additional training in facial plastic surgery that involves the eye.
In contrast, a cosmetic surgeon’s knowledge base is in the field of cosmetic surgery, not ophthalmology. It would be unusual for a cosmetic surgeon to be board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Determining Candidacy for Eyelid Surgery
Patients who want to undergo eyelid surgery need a comprehensive vision exam by an ophthalmologist prior to the procedure. Why? Because another type of surgeon will not be able to determine if you are a good candidate for the eyelid surgery based on vision factors.
For instance, a patient would not be a good candidate if he or she has Dry Eye Syndrome, a detached retina or glaucoma. These are all eye conditions that must be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. (For example, another type of surgeon may not have the equipment to diagnose a detached retina prior to surgery.)
Also, unlike a cosmetic surgeon, an ophthalmologist will also review a patient’s complete vision history to determine eyelid surgery candidacy. An ophthalmologist will also assess visual acuity, extra-ocular movement and visual fields.
This eye exam will serve as a baseline to compare with any vision changes after the surgery. Risks of Eyelid Surgery
While complications from eyelid surgery are rare, there are risks. And the most serious of those almost always revolve around a patient’s vision. Only a trained and experienced ophthalmologist can treat those vision-associated risks, including:
• Dry Eye Syndrome • Double Vision • Blurred Vision • Hemorrhage in the eye
The last item on that list is a vision emergency. If not treated immediately by an eye surgeon, blindness can result.
Your eyes, which are highly complex structures, are extremely important to your quality of life. To learn more about blepharoplasty and why an eye surgeon should perform the procedure, please contactour eyelid surgery specialist at Horizon Eye Care, based in Charlotte, North Carolina (but with a variety of locations to serve you.)
