In a world focused on cataracts and LASIK, oculoplastics quietly transforms lives—restoring vision, function, and appearance—blending medicine with aesthetics to help patients see better and feel more confident
Published Apr 15, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 15, 2025 | 7:00 AM
Droopy eyelids or Baggy eyes? (AI generated image)
Synopsis: Oculoplastic surgery, a lesser-known subspecialty of ophthalmology, focuses on correcting issues around the eyes—like drooping lids, blocked tear ducts, and orbital tumors. Dr. Mohan says these surgeries can restore vision, boost confidence, and even detect underlying conditions. Once seen as cosmetic, they’re now life-changing interventions, offering both functional and emotional relief when performed by skilled surgeons
A 23-year-old young, brilliant woman, and on the cusp of academic success — a PhD scholar with a rare condition that left her unable to open her eyes. The diagnosis: myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular disorder that causes profound muscle weakness. Her eyelids drooped shut. She could barely see. The world around her — books, people, even sunlight — was slipping out of reach.
And worse — no doctor wanted to take her case.
Most surgeons turned her away, citing the risk of complications. Her eyeballs might not move properly after surgery, they said. Operating on her could make things worse. She was told to live with it — a lifetime of compromised vision, limited independence, and social withdrawal.
However, renowned ophthalmologist with an expertise in occuloplastic surgeries, Dr Ravindra Mohan, Director of Gleneagles Eye Centre and Trinetra Eye Hospital in Chennai saw her differently. Speaking to South First about his case study, the doctor said, “She couldn’t open her eyes well. Her lids were completely droopy. She was brilliant, and no one was willing to operate on her,” recalled Dr Ravindra Mohan.
“I felt deeply for her and decided to try. I explained all the limitations, and we went ahead,” he said. The results were extraordinary. “I operated on both lids, lifted them, and a few weeks later, she sent me her wedding photos — eyes wide open, closing well. That was a joyous moment,” Dr Ravindra Mohan explained.
Oculoplastic surgery isn’t something most people have heard of — until they or someone they love needs it. But this niche branch of ophthalmology is quietly becoming one of the most transformative fields in eye care, say doctors.
“Oculoplastics is my subspecialty,” Dr Mohan explained on the Health for You podcast. “It deals with surgeries around the eye — lids, orbit, tear ducts. Even small abnormalities like a droopy eyelid can affect someone’s confidence and life,”
It’s not just about appearance. A drooping lid can obstruct vision, cause lazy eye in children, or signal underlying diseases like thyroid eye disease or facial nerve palsy. And in many cases, a timely surgery can restore not just function — but dignity.
“People tend to associate droopy lids with laziness or dullness, especially in children. Corrective surgeries can change lives,” he said. Dr. Mohan has operated on neonates, handled orbital tumours, corrected blocked tear ducts, and even performed cosmetic eye lifts. He says with improved techniques, these surgeries are now safe, effective, and life-changing — when done by experienced hands.
In a country where cataract and LASIK dominate the conversation around eye health, oculoplastic surgery is the quiet revolution that’s giving people back more than just sight.
People think eye doctors just deal with glasses or cataracts. But in reality, the tissues around the eyes are equally important for vision, comfort, and appearance,” explained Dr Ravindra
What sets oculoplastics apart is its unique position at the intersection of medicine and aesthetics. It’s a discipline that restores function — helping patients see better, blink better, and protect their eyes — while also addressing form by improving appearance and boosting self-confidence.
Dr Veerabhadra, ophthalmologist from Bangalore Netralaya agrees to this. He says, “With people living longer and staying active, demand for functional and aesthetic corrections is increasing among adults.”
Talking about another condition that majority of patients go in to an oculoplastic surgeon is for baggy, puffy eyelids. Explaining this, Dr Veerabhadra says, “you sleep eight hours. You drink your water. But every time you look in the mirror, people still ask, “Are you okay? You look tired,” this is a typical comment a person with baggy or puffy eye might receive.”
Baggy, puffy eyelids aren’t just a cosmetic concern. In some cases, they can even interfere with vision or affect eye health. The reason could be the age, genetics or gravity. Blame it on age, genes, or gravity. Dr Veerabhadra says, “As we grow older, the muscles and skin around the eyes naturally weaken, and the fat that cushions the eyeball may shift forward, creating that puffed-up look. Add to that some fluid retention, late nights, or stress — and those “bags” become part of your face.”
Oculoplastic surgeons are trained specifically to work around the eyes — safely and precisely, adds Dr Ravindra. He says, removing excess skin and lifting the eyelid are perfect for those whose upper lids are sagging so much they droop into their field of vision (or just make them look sleepy and older).
Meanwhile Blepharoplasty is where they target those under-eye bags. Surgeons remove or reposition fat and tighten skin, so the eyes look fresher, younger, and less puffy — without overdoing it.
Doctors warn that people should be wary and visit an oculoplastic surgeon only for any such issues and not a cosmetic surgeon. Reason being, the eye is delicate territory. Regular plastic surgeons can operate here, but oculoplastic surgeons are eye specialists first, trained in ophthalmology before mastering cosmetic and reconstructive techniques.
They understand: How to avoid damaging the tear ducts, how to preserve your blink and lid function and how to handle complications that might arise from pre-existing eye conditions. Also, it is not always only a cosmetic surgery. “If your upper eyelids sag enough to block vision, the surgery may be considered medically necessary.
The rise of blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), once reserved for elderly patients with vision-obstructing saggy lids, is now attracting younger crowds too — professionals, influencers, and even brides-to-be looking for a fresher, brighter appearance.
Meanwhile, tear duct surgeries and eyelid reconstructions are helping patients regain comfort and confidence after injury or disease. “It’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling functional and free again,” said Dr Ravindra. “We’ve reached a point where these surgeries are both medically necessary and socially empowering.”
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
