Eyelid surgery is an effective procedure for rejuvenating the eye area. However, many people worry and wonder, can you see after eyelid surgery? If you are also planning to get eyelid surgery, this is an important topic you should pay attention to so you can better arrange your work and daily life. Here’s what you need to know about your vision and recovery.
Can you see after eyelid surgery?
Don’t worry too much about can you see after eyelid surgery, because you will still be able to see. Although it does not directly affect your eyesight, you may not see clearly right away. Your vision may be blurry or not sharp at first.
This usually happens due to the following reasons:
- Antibiotic ointment: The doctor often applies a layer of specialized ointment to protect the eyeball and keep the wound moist. This is the main reason why your vision may feel like you are looking through a foggy layer.
- Effects of local anesthesia: Local anesthesia can temporarily make the eye muscles overly relaxed, making it harder to adjust your vision.
- Swelling reaction: Mild swelling in the soft tissue around the eyes can create temporary pressure on the cornea.
How long will my vision be blurry after eyelid surgery?
Blurry vision after eyelid surgery is a natural part of the recovery process. Depending on your body and the supportive medications used, the duration of affected vision is usually divided into the following stages:
The blurriest stage: The first 24–48 hours
This is the period when your vision is most affected. The main causes are not internal eye damage, but protective ointment and swelling.
Improvement stage: 3–7 days after surgery
After about 2 days, as you gradually reduce applying ointment directly to the eyes and the swelling goes down, your vision will start to become clearer again. Most clients can read or do light computer work after about 3–4 days. However, your eyes may still get tired and dry easily if you strain them too much.
Fully stable stage: 2–4 weeks
Although you may be able to see clearly from the first week, it usually takes 14 days to 1 month for your vision to feel fully stable and comfortable (no more tightness or dry eyes).
How long will It take to recover my vision after blepharoplasty?
As mentioned, the time for the eyelids and vision to fully recover and become functionally stable usually lasts about 10–14 days. During this period, the eye’s focusing system still needs more time to adapt to changes in the eyelid-lifting muscle structure and the surrounding soft tissues.
Symptoms such as blurred vision, watery eyes, and light sensitivity will gradually go away. At this stage, you can also wear contact lenses again without worrying about affecting the eyelid incision.
However, dry or tired eyes may still occur if you spend too much time working on a computer or phone screen. You should rest and care for your eyes as instructed for about 1 to 3 months so your eyelids heal beautifully, stay stable, and your vision becomes clear again like normal.
Care after eyelid surgery
To achieve the best eyelid surgery results and help your vision recover faster, following the post-op care routine is extremely important. Below is a detailed guide on eyelid surgery aftercare that you should know.
Cleaning and caring for the incision
Keeping the surgical area clean is the top priority to prevent infection and minimize scarring. You should use a medical cotton swab soaked in saline solution (0.9% NaCl) to gently clean any discharge or dried blood along the stitches at least twice a day. Make sure to do it very gently. Do not rub or scratch the eyelid area, even if it feels itchy as the skin heals.
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment as prescribed by your doctor. Do not let tap water, facial cleanser, or cosmetics touch the wound for at least the first 7 days, until your stitches are removed.
>>> See more: Does eyelid surgery leave a scar?
Controlling swelling and bruising
During the first 48 hours, cold compresses are the “key” to constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling, and minimize bruising after blepharoplasty. You should use a cold compress pack or wrap ice in clean gauze, then apply gently for about 15–20 minutes each time. From the third day, you can switch to warm compresses to improve blood circulation and help bruises fade faster.
When sleeping, keep your pillow higher than your heart level to support fluid drainage and prevent fluid buildup that can cause puffy eyes in the morning. Maintaining this position during the first week will help your eyelids stabilize faster and look more natural.
Lifestyle routine and eye protection
To help your eyes recover in the best way, you should maintain a proper rest routine and avoid negative environmental factors. Limit the use of electronic devices such as phones, computers, or watching TV for too long to reduce eye strain.
When going outside, wearing sunglasses is a must to protect the sensitive skin from UV rays and dust. In addition, you should avoid high-intensity sports, swimming, or sauna/steam rooms for at least the first month.
Eye makeup and contact lenses should also be avoided until the wound is completely stable and you have your doctor’s approval.
Healthy nutrition plan
A nutrient-rich diet will support tissue regeneration and help fade scars effectively. You should prioritize consuming the best fruits to eat after eyelid surgery, such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwis, along with leafy greens and nuts rich in Vitamins A, C, E, and zinc to strengthen your immune system.
At the same time, it is vital to know what to avoid eating after eyelid stitching to ensure a smooth recovery. You should strictly stay away from foods that may cause irritation or raise the risk of hypertrophic scars, such as water spinach, beef, seafood, sticky rice dishes, and stimulants like alcohol, beer, and cigarettes.
In addition, you should drink enough water every day to help detox your body and maintain proper eye moisture. This supports a smoother recovery process and helps you achieve the aesthetic results you expect.
At Aesthetic Surgery Center in Vietnam, we guide you through every step of the process so you never have to worry about can you see after eyelid surgery, ensuring both a beautiful aesthetic result and a safe recovery.
Don’t worry too much about whether can you see after eyelid surgery, because in reality, you can. Although you may experience blurred vision, eye strain, or dry eyes, these are only temporary and will gradually improve and disappear after about 14 days. The important thing is to follow proper post-op eyelid care instructions and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Hopefully, this article has helped you feel more reassured, and we wish you soon achieve bigger, brighter, and more attractive eyes!
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