[Evaluation of dry eye in the preoperative and postoperative period of blepharoplasty].

PURPOSES

To evaluate the importance of objective examinations in conjunction with ocular history and orbital and periorbital anatomy, to identify patients at risk of developing a post-blepharoplasty dry eye complication.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed on 29 patients with dermatochalasis who were studied before and three months after blepharoplasty. Changes in ocular symptoms, physical examination and in objective tests, like Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time and rose Bengal coloration were evaluated.

RESULTS

No statistically significant alteration in results of objective tests, except Schirmer II test, was found between the pre- and postoperative period. Regarding eyelid anatomy, alterations in palpebral fissure and excursion of the upper eyelid were observed that were statistically significant postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to state that the palpebral fissure alterations happen frequently in patients submitted to esthetic blepharoplasty. It was also possible to conclude, by this study, that the objective tests for dry eye evaluation, did not show significant alterations postoperatively, except for Schirmer II test.