Impact of Full-Incision Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty on Tear Film Dynamics and Dry Eye Symptoms in Young Asian Females.

[BACKGROUND] Dry eye symptoms as a complication of double-eyelid blepharoplasty are controversial. This article evaluates tear film dynamics and changes in dry eye symptoms after cosmetic double-eyelid blepharoplasty in young Asian female.

[METHODS] One hundred and twenty patients underwent full-incisional double-eyelid blepharoplasty. Subjective and objective parameters were documented before surgery, at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months post-surgery, which included Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive breakup time (NIBUT), Schirmer I test, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining scores, and palpebral fissure height. Dry eyes were defined based on the DEWS II criteria: OSDI ≥ 13 points and NIBUT < 10 s. Patients were divided into two groups, group A included patients with redundant skin, while group B included patients with absence of redundant skin.

[RESULTS] The incident rate of dry eyes preoperatively, and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months were 12.5%, 12.5%, 32.5%, and 16.67%. OSDI scores were significantly increased at 1 week (9.71 ± 10.07, P < 0.001) and 1 month (11.35 ± 12.28, P < 0.001) postoperatively. A significant increase in TMH, NIBUT and Schirmer's test I values were observed at 1 week post-surgery (P < 0.001). Patients in group A showed higher OSDI scores compared to group B at 1 week and 1 month (P = 0.051) post-surgery, and the other variables showed no difference between the groups.

[CONCLUSIONS] Cosmetic double-eyelid blepharoplasty may temporarily affect tear film dynamics and aggravate dry eye symptoms in young females. However, these changes generally recover 3 months postoperatively.

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