Purpose

To evaluate the effect of upper eyelid blepharoplasty on corneal curvature and refractive status and to determine its clinical relevance for postoperative refractive correction.

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Methods

This single-center prospective study included 31 patients (62 eyes) undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty performed by a single surgeon. The mean age was 53 years. Ophthalmic examination included uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, subjective and objective refraction, and keratometric measurements (R1, R2, average K). All examinations were performed by certified optometrists. Measurements were obtained preoperatively, at 1 week postoperatively (mean 7.5 days), and at 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate changes over time.

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Results

No statistically significant changes in subjective or objective refraction were observed at any postoperative time point. Keratometric analysis demonstrated statistically significant changes in selected parameters at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05), with mean differences of approximately 0.1 D. These changes did not result in clinically relevant refractive shifts.

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Conclusion

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty induces small but measurable changes in corneal curvature without clinically relevant impact on refractive status. Routine postoperative refractive correction does not appear to require modification, although refractive assessment should ideally be performed after the initial healing period. These findings may also be valuable during preoperative and postoperative patient counselling, as patients frequently associate subjective visual changes with blepharoplasty.

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Additional Authors

First name	Last name	Base Hospital / Institution
Sara	Vaniova	Department of Optics, Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic
Jan	Nemcansky	University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic

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