Eyelid Surgery Can Improve Vision and Take Years Off

Article submitted by John T. LiVecchi, M.D., F.A.C.S., Director of Oculoplastics at Eye Centers of Florida.
For more information, he can be reached at 800-715-2314.

Drooping and saggy eyelids can cause significant vision problems and irritation for many people.In many cases, drooping eyelids can compromise your sight by up to 30%.

John T. LiVecchi, M.D., F.A.C.S., of Eye Centers of Florida, specializes in the surgical repair of "baggy" eyelids as well as many other eye procedures. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, focuses on removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. This can improve vision in cases where excess skin of the upper eyelids has drooped so far that it interferes with peripheral vision.

Barbara Boyle, blepharoplasty patient, was surprised to learn that heavy eyelids were impairing her vision. "I knew my eyelids felt heavy but I didn't realize they were affecting my vision," she says. According to Dr. LiVecchi, "Barbara's vision was impaired 31% in her left eye and 29% percent in her right eye."

"I initially went to Dr. LiVecchi because my contacts kept popping out of my eyes. The heaviness also caused a sleepy feeling in my eyes. One day I woke up and thought 'why do I feel sleepy when I had 9 hours of sleep?'"

Many patients, including Barbara, are surprised to learn that Medicare and private insurance often cover blepharoplasty when heavy eyelids interfere with your field of vision. "I had no idea I fit into this category of coverage," comments Barbara.

Dr. LiVecchi advises patients who are interested in blepharoplasty to schedule a Lid Evaluation appointment. For Barbara, this was an educational visit that put her at ease with the procedure. "Everything about the anatomy of the eye and the surgery itself was explained to me thoroughly. The staff was enthusiastic, friendly and supportive."

When asked about the results of her surgery, Barbara is all smiles. "When I look in the mirror, the puffiness is gone. Not only did the surgery take some years off, but I just feel better about myself."

Since her surgery, Barbara has encouraged many of her friends to share in the benefits of blepharoplasty. "They have nothing to lose and everything to gain," she says.