DRY EYE AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY IN DENVER A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO COMFORTABLE HEALING(by Chris Thiagarajah, MD — Oculoplastic Surgeon, Denver)

DRY EYE AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY IN DENVERA COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO COMFORTABLE HEALING(by Chris Thiagarajah, MD — Oculoplastic Surgeon, Denver)

WHY DRY EYE HAPPENS AFTER EYELID SURGERY

• After upper or lower blepharoplasty, the eyelids can be mildly swollen and not close fully for a short time.• Blinking is less frequent due to tenderness, screens, and swelling.• The tear film can evaporate faster in Denver’s high altitude, sun, and dry air.

Goal: keep the eye surface lubricated while the lids heal and blink patterns normalize.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK IN DENVER

• History of dry eye, contact lens use, LASIK/PRK, autoimmune disease, thyroid eye disease.• High screen time (reduced blink rate).• Outdoor exposure to wind, UV, altitude, wildfire smoke, and seasonal allergens.

If any apply, expect a more proactive lubrication plan and closer follow-up.

YOUR RECOVERY ROADMAP (TIMELINE + SPACING)

WEEK 0–1 (DAYS 1–7)

• Preservative-free artificial tears: 1 drop each eye every 2–3 hours while awake.• Lubricating gel or ointment at bedtime: a small ribbon inside the lower lid.• Cold compresses first 48–72 hours (10 minutes on / 10 minutes off while awake).• Sleep with head elevated on 2 pillows; avoid face-down sleep.• Humidifier by the bed and desk (target indoor humidity ~40–50%).• Sunglasses outdoors; avoid wind, dust, and direct sun.• Screen strategy: 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).• No contact lenses until cleared (usually after the first follow-up).

Tip: Mild blur after ointment is normal—use at night or for naps.

WEEK 1–2

• Continue preservative-free tears every 3–4 hours.• Switch cold to warm compresses if advised (helps meibomian oil flow).• Gentle lid hygiene (if sutures removed and you are cleared): warm water or sterile lid wipes along the lash line.• Consider moisture-chamber glasses for outdoor activities and flights.• Gradual return to light exercise; avoid hot yoga/sauna, dusty trails, and high wind.

WEEKS 3–6

• Taper tears to comfort (often 3–4×/day).• Add a mid-day gel drop if afternoon dryness persists.• Resume contacts when comfortable and approved; limit wear time at first.• Start scar care and sun protection on schedule (hat + UV sunglasses).

WEEKS 6–12

• Most swelling resolves; blink pattern normalizes.• If dryness persists, we may add advanced options (see below).• Maintain humidity, hydration, and sun/wind protection—key for Denver.

WHAT TO USE (AND WHAT TO AVOID)

USE

• Preservative-free artificial tears (single-use vials).• Lubricating gel/ointment at bedtime during the first 2–3 weeks.• Humidifier, wraparound sunglasses, moisture-chamber eyewear.• Warm compress masks (when cleared) to support meibomian glands.• Omega-3 rich diet and hydration (if appropriate for your health).

AVOID (UNLESS SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED)

• “Redness relief” vasoconstrictor drops.• Frequent preserved tears (BAK preservatives can irritate when used often).• Rubbing the eyelids; heavy eye makeup until cleared.• Smoky, dusty, or windy environments early on.

DENVER-SPECIFIC ADJUSTMENTS

• Altitude + dry air = faster evaporation: schedule drops before outdoor time.• Sun/UV: sunglasses with side coverage and a brimmed hat.• Winter heating/AC: run a room humidifier, especially at night.• Outdoor sports: cyclists, hikers, and skiers benefit from moisture-chamber goggles.

ADVANCED DRY EYE TOOLS (WHEN BASIC STEPS AREN’T ENOUGH)

• Punctal plugs: reduce tear drainage to keep natural tears longer on the eye.• Prescription anti-inflammatories/lipid-layer therapies (as medically indicated).• In-office gland treatments (meibomian gland heat/express) when appropriate.• Autologous serum tears for refractory surface disease (specialized cases).• Specialty lenses (scleral) in severe, persistent dryness—rare after routine blepharoplasty.

These options are personalized based on exam findings and symptom pattern.

BLINK + HABIT COACHING

• Conscious blinking: gently touch cheeks near the outer lids and perform 10 slow, full blinks, 3–4×/day.• Micro-breaks during screens; relocate fans/vents that blow toward the face.• Hydration targets spread through the day (unless restricted by your physician).

WHEN TO CALL THE OFFICE PROMPTLY

• Sharp or worsening pain, light sensitivity, or a sudden drop in vision.• Increasing redness with discharge or focal tenderness along the incision.• Eyelid not closing fully during sleep beyond the first week (lagophthalmos).• Foreign-body sensation that does not respond to lubrication.• Any new double vision or rapidly increasing swelling.

If severe symptoms occur, seek urgent care immediately.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“How long will the dryness last?”• Most patients improve steadily over 2–6 weeks; a few need 2–3 months for full normalization.

“Can I speed recovery?”• Yes: consistent tears, bedtime ointment early on, humidity, sunglasses, and screen breaks make a big difference at altitude.

“Is this permanent?”• Post-op dryness is usually temporary. Pre-existing dry eye may persist but is often easier to manage once swelling and blink mechanics normalize.

“When can I wear contacts?”• Often after the first follow-up when the surface is comfortable and incisions are healing well. Start with short wear times.

YOUR RECOVERY KIT CHECKLIST (PRINT/SCREENSHOT)

□ Preservative-free tears (1–2 boxes of vials)□ Bedtime gel/ointment (small tube)□ Cold packs (first 48–72 hours), then warm compress mask (when cleared)□ Humidifier for bedroom/office□ Wraparound sunglasses or moisture-chamber eyewear□ Gentle lid wipes (use only when cleared)□ Broad-brim hat and sunscreen for outdoor time□ Water bottle and a reminder for 20-20-20 screen breaks

THE THIAGARAJAH APPROACH (WHY SPECIALIST CARE MATTERS)

• Eye-first planning: dry eye screening, conservative tissue removal, and protection of blink mechanics.• Denver-adapted protocols: altitude, sun, and humidity adjustments baked into your plan.• Precise follow-up: written instructions, easy access for questions, and timely upgrades (plugs, meds) when needed.• Natural results: millimeter-level eyelid symmetry with comfort and corneal safety as priorities.

DISCLAIMER

This guide is educational and supports—not replaces—your personalized medical plan. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions and contact the office with questions or new symptoms.

READY FOR A COMFORT-FOCUSED, NATURAL RESULT?

Consult with Chris Thiagarajah, MD, oculoplastic surgeon in Denver, to personalize your dry eye prevention and recovery plan for blepharoplasty.

Denver Eyelid Specialists8301 E Prentice Ave, Suite 403, Greenwood Village, CO 80111Phone: 720-386-1989Serving Denver • Cherry Creek • Greenwood Village • DTC • Centennial • Highlands Ranch • Aurora