[Evaluation of dry eye in before and after blepharoplasty].

PURPOSES To evaluate the importance of objective examinations together with ocular history and orbital and periorbital anatomy, to identifying patients at risk of developing a post-blepharoplasty dry eye complication. METHODS A prospective study was performed on 29 patients with dermatochalasis that were studied before and three months after blepharoplasty. Changes in ocular symptoms, physical examination and in objective tests, like Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time and rose bengal coloration were evaluated. RESULTS No statistical significant alteration in results of objective tests, except Schirmer II test, between pre and postoperative period were found. In relation to eyelid anatomy, alterations in palpebral fissure and in excursion of the upper eyelid, that were statistically significant were found after surgery. CONCLUSIONS It may be stated that palpebral fissure alterations occur frequently in patients submitted to esthetic blepharoplasty. It is also possible to conclude, that in this study, the objective tests for dry eye evaluation, did not demonstrate significant postoperative alterations, except for Schirmer II test.