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Red, Dry Eyes After Blepharoplasty and CO2 Laser
Your description could represent a significant problem. The issue is corneal exposure. If you can't protect your cornea you could have significant issues with corneal abrasion that could even affect your eyesight. The cause of this could be lower lid retraction or it could be that you had some lower lid laxity that is now exacerbated. These issues may get better without intervention but it is critical that steps be taken to protect your eyes while things are healing. In addition, if this is a persistent problem you may need a temporary procedure to give additional support to your lower lid or a canthopexy (a permanent procedure to tighten the lower lid). In any case you should talk to your surgeon about these issues as soon as possible.
Clinical Context
After blepharoplasty combined with CO2 laser resurfacing, swelling and skin tightening can temporarily keep the lower eyelids from fully covering the eye. This exposes the cornea to air and can cause redness, dryness, and irritation. In most cases this improves as swelling resolves, with help from lubricating drops or ointment and gentle massage. If the eyelid doesn't close well during sleep or the irritation persists, the eye needs protection right away, since prolonged exposure can damage the corneal surface. Your surgeon can check eyelid position and healing to guide next steps.
