Evaluating the Effects of Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty on Tear Film Quality and Intraocular Pressure

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate tear film quality and intraocular pressure (IOP) changes after upper eyelid blepharoplasty.
METHODS: This retrospective study included 42 eyes of 21 patients who underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty for dermatochalasis between January 2018 and June 2018 in our clinic. Schirmer’s and tear break-up time (TBUT) values and IOP were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at first day, 1 month, and 3 months in all patients. The ocular surface staining pattern was evaluated according to Oxford scale. Effects of upper eyelid blepharoplasty on tear film quality and IOP were evaluated.
RESULTS: All patients were female and their mean age was 53.28±7.98. The postoperative Schirmer’s test scores at postoperative 3 months were significantly (p<0.01) lower than all previous preoperative measures. Similarly, the postoperative 1-week measurements were significantly (p<0.01) higher than the postoperative 1-month and 3-month measurements. In terms of TBUT, the postoperative 1-week measurement was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the postoperative 1-month measurement and the preoperative value than the postoperative 1-month measurement. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the measurements in terms of IOP values. Of the 42 eyes evaluated according to Oxford scale, 28 (66%) had mild symptoms, 10 (23%) had moderate symptoms, and 4 (9%) had marked symptoms. No patient with severe symptoms was detected.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty may have a negative effect on tear film quality in early postoperative period; however, it does not affect IOP at any period. Understanding the effects of surgery performed specifically on ocular surface through larger case series may necessitate ophthalmologic examination for preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up of dermatochalasis cases.