How Eyelid Surgery Can Help with Chronic Dry Eyes

Chronic dry eye is a frustrating condition that causes discomfort, irritation, and visual disturbances. While it’s commonly managed with artificial tears and medications, some patients don’t find lasting relief from traditional treatments. For these individuals, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty or eyelid reconstruction) may offer both functional and cosmetic benefits. Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics, led by oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan, provides eyelid surgery to patients in Plano, Dallas, Austin, Texas, and surrounding locations.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can result from several underlying issues, including:

– Reduced tear production
– Poor tear quality
– Rapid evaporation of tears
– Eyelid malposition or dysfunction

Eyelids play a vital role in tear film distribution and eye protection. If the eyelids are droopy (ptosis), sagging outward (ectropion), or rolling inward (entropion), they can interfere with tear function and lead to dry eye symptoms.

How Eyelid Surgery Can Help

Oculoplastic surgeons can perform targeted procedures to correct eyelid positioning and support tear film retention. These include:

– Upper blepharoplasty to remove excess skin that may be weighing down the eyelid
– Lower eyelid tightening (lateral tarsal strip or canthoplasty) for eyelids that sag away from the eye
– Ectropion or entropion repair to restore proper alignment and protect the ocular surface

By improving the way the eyelids close and interact with the eye, surgery can significantly reduce symptoms of dry eye and improve ocular comfort.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery to treat dry eyes if you:

– Have structural eyelid issues contributing to dryness
– Experience irritation, tearing, or blurry vision
– Have not responded to conservative treatments
– Are evaluated by an oculoplastic surgeon who confirms eyelid malposition

What to Expect

– Outpatient procedure, often under local or twilight anesthesia
– Minimal downtime (1–2 weeks for bruising and swelling)
– Gradual improvement in symptoms as healing progresses

Final Thoughts

When dry eyes are caused or worsened by eyelid anatomy, surgery may offer a more permanent solution. An evaluation with an oculoplastic surgeon can determine if eyelid correction is appropriate and beneficial for your condition.

For more information about procedures and treatments at Khan Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics by Ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan. Click here to contact us.

Taking patients from in and around Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Carrollton, Irving, Frisco, Texas and more.