Blepharochalasis is the increase in skin above and around the eyes. It typically occurs with increasing age, but may occur in younger folks if there is a genetic predisposition. The skin in this sensitive area becomes loose, flabby with multiple folds making for a tired, aged look. While we are all concerned with our appearance there is a medical concern that accompanies this condition.

As the skin folds increase there are pockets of skin that will remain moist and warm and are a good location for bacterial growth. Thus people with Blepharochalasis are more at risk for contracting skin diseases around their eyes. This of course increases the likelihood of an eye infection secondary to the skin disorder. Extra care must be given to ocular hygiene to prevent these issues. Furthermore, as the skin increases in magnitude it typically droops down and may obscure the line of site. This of course will decrease the visual capabilities and affect one's ability to see either straight ahead, the superior field of vision or both. Thus, there is a medical need to surgically correct this condition. If the visual field is constricted then insurance will cover the surgical procedure since there is a medical necessity. The procedure to correct this condition is called Blepharoplasty.

There are those individuals that feel that they have taken on an aged appearance because of this condition and want cosmetic surgery despite not being bad enough to be covered by insurance. In today's world of cosmetic surgery this is a fairly common procedure. The street term for this is the "eye job." Regardless if it is due to age and must be done for medical purposes or just for cosmetic reasons, there are several serious complications that may arise if not done by a qualified surgeon.

Common side affects include having the eyes appear too wide open or too large because too much skin has been removed. This will lead to the eyes drying out and many secondary complications arising from exposure of the cornea. In addition, there can be damage to the tear producing mechanism resulting in a permanent dry eye condition. Red, burning, painful eyes is not a good trade off for looking better. The eyelids may turn inward following surgery causing a constant brushing of the cornea by the eye lashes. This leads to scarring and decreased vision. There may also be damage to the eye lashes themselves if poorly performed.

The bottom line is that when eye lid surgery is performed it should be done by an Oculo-plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience. This will insure a good aesthetic appearance and normal physiological functioning of the eye.