When eyelids affect vision, don’t overlook your options Have you noticed yourself lifting your eyebrows or tilting your head to see a little better? You may be adjusting to changes in your eyelids without even realizing it. As we age, the skin and tissues around the eyes can become heavier or begin to droop. For some people, these changes can interfere with their field of vision and everyday activities. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can remove excess skin and tissue when appropriate, which can improve the field of vision while also creating a more refreshed appearance. More than a cosmetic concern Changes to the eyelids often happen gradually, making them easy to overlook. You may notice difficulty seeing above you, eye fatigue or a tendency to raise your eyebrows or adjust your head position to see more clearly. Other signs can include excess skin hanging over the upper eyelid or difficulty with everyday activities, such as reading or driving. “Your eyes shouldn’t have to work harder just to see comfortably,” says Andrew Baldwin, MD, Faith Health Ophthalmology. “If you find yourself constantly lifting your eyebrows, tilting your head or struggling to see above you, it’s worth having your eyelids evaluated.” If changes to your eyelids are affecting your vision, an eye examination can help determine what is causing the problem and whether eyelid surgery or another treatment may be appropriate. What to expect During a consultation, your physician will examine your eyelids and discuss your concerns, treatment options and what you can expect from surgery. For upper eyelid surgery, an incision is typically made within the natural crease of the eyelid. Depending on your individual needs, excess skin may be removed, and fat may be removed or repositioned. After surgery, some swelling and bruising are normal and gradually improve as you heal. Your care team will provide instructions for caring for the surgical area, medications, follow-up appointments and returning to normal activities. See your eyes in a new way Changes around the eyes are a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to interfere with how you see or go about your day. If you’ve noticed drooping eyelids, excess skin or changes in your vision, talk with your ophthalmologist. An evaluation can help identify what’s contributing to the changes and determine whether treatment could improve your vision and comfort. Andrew Baldwin, MD, Faith Health Ophthalmology Clearer vision in sight Andrew Baldwin, MD, provides ophthalmology care through Faith Health. To schedule an appointment, call 402-844‑8097, or visit www.faith.health to learn more. 8 Faith Health
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