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eyelids sewn up

(17 Posts)
Franbern Sat 08-Feb-25 10:19:33

Has anyone else had this minor procedure? Most of me has gone southwards, including my eyelids, which drooped pretty low causing me some sight problems. Indeed, was actually sent to Glaucoma clinic after my periphery sight test did not pass muster.

Later on further test with eyelids taped up got much better result, and I was sent to clinic to have these sewn up.

Would just say this is all under NHSfree

The actual procedure was much more painful than I had reckoned on, I was not expecting this - but they had to put anaesthetic injected into my eyelids to freeze the area. These injections (four into each eyelid), were very painful and I had been warned in advance would probably have taken some sort of relaxant tablet in advance. As it was it actually sent me into shock.

Anyway, I did survive without embarrassing myself by screaming the place down. Did want to get off operating table and run away -but of course I did nothing of the sort. Could not get warm afterwards and i think it took much of next 24 hours for me to recover.

But procedure went well, and I can see much better, expect to be discharged from Glaucoma clinic.

However, it is now several months since this was carried out and I still have discomfort from where the stitches were put into those eyelids. (These were all taken out ten days after procedure). I am pretty certain nothing is wrong, just that the have been stitched up rather tightly and I will have to live with this slight discomfort on-going now.

Just wondered if anyone else has had this procedure in one or both eyes and if they have this on-going discomfort?

blue14 Sat 08-Feb-25 12:52:49

You’ve certainly gone through a very painful procedure.
I’m pleased you can now see much better.

I haven’t been through anything like this but I do know there is a cream prescribed by GPs which can slightly numb the area. However, very likely this is not suitable for the area around eyes.
Do speak to your GP as hopefully there is something that can help with the pain you are suffering.
Hope you soon have some relief from this.

Aveline Sat 08-Feb-25 13:31:44

Oh you poor thing. That sounds like an absolutely appalling procedure. It's good that it's helped your vision but does seem a brutal way to go about it.

Babs03 Sat 08-Feb-25 13:51:26

Poor you. It sounds like a gruelling procedure, but you can see better now so well done!!
Would check on the ongoing pain due to stitches, I imagine in that part of the body is difficult for it to heal the same, I mean you always use your eyelids you can’t just rest them.
But don’t soldier on, ask for help, after all you’ve been through enough.
Take care 🙏🏾🌺

silverlining48 Sat 08-Feb-25 13:56:34

I had this done Franburn but under a general anaesthetic I had very heavy eyelids. It cost £5000 about 15 years ago. I Was and still am, pleased with it. Hope you start to feel better soon.

NotSpaghetti Fri 14-Feb-25 13:30:29

I would phone the clinic where the procedure was done and ask if you might be able to speak to a specialist nurse about it... if nothing else they will point you in the right direction.

Otherwise your GP is your best option I think.

I do hope you find a solution.
Fingers crossed it will be something simple such as warm compresses for a few days to increase blood flow.

Good luck.

keepingquiet Fri 14-Feb-25 13:37:38

I am not quite sure what the surgery was that you had here, or why?

Was it just for your droopy upper lids, or for your glaucoma?

I wasn't aware that glaucoma responded to surgery so I am a little mystified.

I recall when I had cataract surgery on the NHS I asked if there was anything that could be done for the skin around my eyes and the surgeon just said that cosmetic eye surgery frequently makes things worse, not better, post-op.
Best left alone was the advice, so I'm interested in your experience.

mokryna Fri 14-Feb-25 14:07:54

It sounds horrific what you have been through Franbern flowers. You were very courageous.

GrannyIvy Fri 14-Feb-25 14:44:14

I had my lower eyelids on both eyes sewn and tightened (on the NHS) as I have very watery eyes and the bottom lids had drooped away from both eyes so tears were not connecting/ draining down the tear ducts. It was done under a local anaesthetic with two injections into each eye.

Omg it was extremely uncomfortable and painful . I felt completely traumatised during and after the procedure for weeks after. For the following two weeks I couldn’t leave the house as my eyes were painful very bruised and looked like I had been beaten up. I had severe oedema and such blurry eyes.

Four months later I still have watery eyes no improvement at all and just beginning to wear eye make up again without irritation to my eyes. The tightness in the outer corners is just beginning to feel easier and not so tight. The oedema has settled somewhat. I am waiting for a further review.

I would never have this procedure again. I will live with watery eyes.

I was told this was a simple procedure done every day with good results. It was awful If you ever need this ask for a general anaesthetic.

Franbern it should feel easier as the weeks and months go on but I would definitely speak to the specialist nurse for advice. When I’m tired at the end of the day my eyelids feel really tight and hard to keep my eyes open.

BlueBelle Fri 14-Feb-25 14:57:56

My friend had the same op as you GrannyIvy and her eyes are just as watery and just as droopy as before
I have very very watery eyes, no drooping thankfully, but water the minute I walk out the door but I ll keep it just like that I have enough eye problems without more

Luckygirl3 Fri 14-Feb-25 15:50:05

That sounds grim. Honestly if there was anything I did not feel happy with I would go back and discuss with the relevant medics.

GrannyIvy Fri 14-Feb-25 16:06:25

Yes Bluebelle leave well alone. It was a lot of distress for nothing gained!!

I have lived with watering eyes for many years right eye much worse than left it is frustrating.

Aldom Fri 14-Feb-25 16:16:49

Several years ago I had surgery for a blocked tear duct. I had reached the stage where surgery was an absolute necessity.
I can vouch for how painful the injections are. I had five in my left eye. The surgeon did warn me that this would be painful.
Like others on the thread, my eye/face looked like a car crash!!
However my operation has been successful, thankfully. I would not
like to go through this again, but so
glad I had the procedure.

Franbern Fri 14-Feb-25 16:24:08

Grannyivy, yes, it does seem slowly to be improving as time goes on. Just much more time than I had expected.
keepingquiet, the procedure was to to sew up my droopy eyelids. Due to these I was getting bad scores on peripheral eye tests, which led me to the Glaucoma Clinic.
I was at that today, (hoping now that I would be discharged), the tests confirmed that my sight was much better including the peripheral sight test. Not discharged yet though, they want me back again in six months time.

Abracadabra Fri 14-Feb-25 16:34:54

Franbern That sounds so painful! A friend is waiting for the same sort of operation so I don't know if it's better to go in prepared but spend time dreading it or it to be a surprise...I do hope things improve for you soon

Franbern Fri 14-Feb-25 19:30:13

Abracadabra = I went for this procedure totally relaxed. Have had quite a few medical problems in my life both small and large, and usually okay with pain levels. However, if I had known I would probably have asked my GP to prescribe some sort of relaxant pill for me to take before I went. Have had these when I need MRI's ( I am very claustrophobic) and they have made an immense difference. If your friend is having it done privately, they might be offered a general, NHS do not -which I actually is better - as I know that a General the often the most dangerous part of any operation,
At the Glaucoma clinic it was explained to me why they are unable to use anything prior to those injections. Okay, yes it is quit painful, but just a two or three moments of that pain, and the result of better eyesight makes it very worthwhile

Imarocker Sat 15-Feb-25 06:57:45

I had this operation on my eyelids and was given a sedative and pain numbing anaesthetic and felt no pain and had no discomfort. I also had no pain or discomfort after the op.