What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery that our Ophthalmologists at Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast can perform on the upper or lower eyelids to remove excess skin and fat from around the eyes. Sagging eyebrows or eyelids can also be corrected at the same time.
Why is Blepharoplasty surgery performed?
Blepharoplasty surgery is performed to help improve visual function and/or improve cosmetic appearance of the eyes. Excessive upper eyelid tissue can obscure the upper part of the visual field. Lifting the upper lids with your fingers can help determine if this is a problem. If the upper visual field improves or vision brightens this type of surgery may be of benefit to improve your sight. A formal visual field test may be helpful in this situation. This can be booked at Sweeney Optician Eye and Hearing Care – part of the Kingsbridge Healthcare Group.
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You may qualify for a free eye exam if:
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- You are 16 years and younger (or 18 years if in full time education)
- You are over 60 years of age
- You suffer from Diabetes
- You have glaucoma (or are over 40 and an immediate relative of someone with glaucoma)
- You are in receipt of certain government benefits
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Excess tissue can cause brow ache and fatigue for many patients. Occasionally excess skin can cause eyelashes to turn in and irritate the surface of the eye. An excessive number of wrinkled skin folds above the eyes can result in a sagging tired look that detracts from one's general appearance. Blepharoplasty surgery can be considered for cosmetic reasons even if vision is not affected.
Why is it important to consult an Ophthalmologist when considering Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty surgery can affect the function and lubrication of the eyes and before deciding to have this type of surgery, a consultation with an Ophthalmologist is recommended before continuing.
Our Consultant Ophthalmologists are trained specifically to treat conditions and perform surgeries of the eye. They are uniquely qualified in the area of expertise and can help you decide whether you should consider this type of surgery or not.
How is eyelid surgery performed?
Our consultant Ophthalmologist will determinethe amount of skin and fat to be removed from the eye. Upper and lower incision lines are marked along natural skin creases. Incision lines generally extend into the "crow's feet" or "smile lines" at the outer edge of the eye, so that once healed, the incision lines appear less visible. The excess skin and fat are removed, and the incisions are sutured closed to help healing. The procedure is performed with local or general anaesthesia depending on individual preference and health factors.
What results can I expect?
Results from this type of surgery are generally successful but surgical outcome will depend on the extent of the corrective work needed, the skin structure of the individual and healing time and process, hereditary factors linked to family, age and other physical characteristics. As with all surgical procedures, an element of risk exists. This will be discussed with you at your appointment.
Why are regular medical eye examinations important for everyone?
Eye disease can strike at any age. Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until the disease has done damage. Since most blindness is preventable if diagnosed and treated early, regular medical examinations by an Ophthalmologist are very important.
A range of eye tests including Ireland’s first 4D eye scan are also available from Sweeney Opticians Eye and Hearing Care.
4D eye scan is a new technology that can help in the early detection of a range of eye disease’s including Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Diabetes related eye diseases.