for a specified length
of time. If there is some doubt that the eye is functioning properly, an
ophthalmologist is often consulted prior to the surgery. If the patient
has vision problems, vision should also be tested prior to surgery.
The surgeon should also check the elasticity of the skin on the lower eyelid.
Older people with poor skin elasticity run a greater risk that lower eyelid
surgery will pull the skin down. To avoid this the tendon of the lower eyelid
should be stretched upward during the operation.
Other important preparations for the operation, as previously stated, are
to avoid medications that increase bleeding (such as those containing acetylsalicylic
acid) for the two weeks prior to surgery and to stop smooking if possible,
although with eyelid surgery the risk of complications during healing is
very small even for smokers. As with all operations for which anesthetics
are given, the patient should avoid eating for at least six hours beforehand.
