Most patients have some bruising, swelling, and tightness, and dry eye is common in the first several weeks — usually easing with drops. According to a published review, dry eye affects about 13 percent of upper-blepharoplasty patients, and blurry vision from ointment or dryness clears within hours or days.
Less common complications include a hematoma that may need drainage, incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos), new or worsened ptosis, and asymmetry that may call for a minor revision. Orbital compartment syndrome — bleeding that raises pressure behind the eye — is rare but urgent.
Severe pain that increases rather than decreases, sudden loss of vision, or rapid swelling with hardness behind the eye are emergencies. Call The Eye Center immediately and head to the nearest emergency department — early care of bleeding behind the eye saves vision.