Here you’ll find trusted patient handouts on common eye conditions and our latest monthly eye health blog posts to help you care for your vision.

At Broadway Family Optometry, we believe that understanding your eye condition is a key part of taking care of your vision. That is why we have created this collection of easy-to-read guides to help you feel more confident, informed, and supported. Each guide below covers a common eye condition, what it means, and how it is treated. These are the same topics we often discuss in our visits together - now available for you to review anytime, at your own pace.

Click any condition below to open its guide.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Blepharitis
Blepharospasm
Cataract
Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)
Chalazion
Corneal Ulcer
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dry Eye Syndrome
Glaucoma (Early Stage)
Macular Degeneration (Dry Form)
Ocular Hypertension
Ocular Migraine
Pingueculae
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
Pseudopapilledema
Pterygium
Retinal Detachment
Strabismus
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
Uveitis
Viral Conjunctivitis

We are continuing to add more guides to this library. Please check back often for updates, or ask
our staff if you would like a printed copy at your next visit.
If you have questions about anything you read here, I encourage you to reach out.
We are here to help you see good, look better, and feel your best.

Warm regards,
Dr. Boris Mardian, O.D.

Introduction


When people think of cosmetic procedures, they often think of the skin or face, but the eyes play a central role in how we look, feel, and interact with the world. Over the past several years, cosmetic procedures involving the eyes have expanded significantly, ranging from eyelid surgery to eye color change and vision correction with cosmetic benefits.

While these procedures are performed by ophthalmologists or specialized surgeons, optometrists play an important role in helping patients understand their options, identifying who may or may not be a good candidate, and guiding safe referrals. Rather than focusing on surgical techniques, it is most helpful to understand cosmetic eye procedures by the condition or concern they are designed to address.

Common Age-Related Changes Around the Eyes

As we age, several changes can occur:

• The upper eyelid skin may loosen, especially on the outer sides, making the eyes look smaller or heavier
  
  
• The lower eyelids may appear puffy or hollow due to fat shifting over time
  
  
• Fine lines may develop on the forehead and around the eyes
  
  
• The surface of the eye can become more irregular or irritated
  
  
• The white of the eye may appear less clear or develop visible changes
  
  
• Very strong glasses can make eyes appear smaller due to lens effects
  
  

These changes are usually gradual, but once they become noticeable, patients often start asking questions



Non-Surgical Options That May Help in Selected Cases


Not every concern requires surgery. In some situations, non-surgical approaches can improve comfort or appearance.


Botox® (Botulinum Toxin Injections)

Botox is sometimes used around the eyes to relax overactive muscles. While it does not remove excess eyelid skin, it may help in specific situations by:

• Reducing involuntary eyelid twitching or spasms
  
  
• Softening forehead lines and crow’s feet
  
  
• Reducing downward muscle pull that can contribute to a heavy or tense appearance
  
  

Botox does not correct true eyelid skin excess, but it can be helpful in carefully selected patients. An eye care professional can help determine when this may be appropriate and when other options should be considered.

 When Non-Surgical Options Are Not Enough

When excess skin or tissue is the main cause of eyelid heaviness or a tired appearance, injections alone are often not sufficient. In these cases, referral for surgical evaluation may be appropriate.


Eyelid Aging, Drooping, and Under-Eye Bags

Aging around the eyes commonly leads to droopy eyelids, puffiness, and under-eye bags.

• Blepharoplasty improves excess eyelid skin or fat to create a more rested appearance.
  
  
• Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty removes under-eye fat through the inside of the eyelid without an external incision.
  
  
• Fat repositioning redistributes existing under-eye fat to smooth hollows rather than removing volume.
  
  
• Fat grafting (fat transfer) adds a small amount of the patient’s own fat to the under-eye area to restore lost volume and reduce a sunken or tired appearance
• 
  
• Ptosis repair corrects a drooping upper eyelid caused by weakness of the lifting muscle.

These procedures may be cosmetic, functional, or both, depending on how much vision is affected.



Eye Redness, Yellowing, and Ocular Surface Irregularities

Not all red or irritated eyes are caused by dryness, infections, or allergies. In some patients, excess or abnormal conjunctival tissue interferes with normal tear flow and comfort.

• Conjunctivoplasty removes redundant conjunctival tissue to improve tear mechanics and reduce irritation, particularly in conjunctivochalasis.
  
  
• WhiterEyes® conjunctivoplasty is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reducing chronic redness or yellow discoloration of the white of the eye.
  
  
• Pinguecula or pterygium removal removes benign growths when they cause discomfort, visual distortion, or cosmetic concern.

In these cases, surgery may be functional, cosmetic, or a combination of both.

Eye Color and Pigmentation Concerns


Eye color change procedures have gained attention in recent years, often generating confusion and misinformation.

• Keratopigmentation changes the appearance of eye color by placing pigment within the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. The iris itself is not altered.
  
  
  • A clear central optical zone is intentionally left in place to allow normal vision.
    
    
• Nevus of Ota treatment uses laser therapy to reduce excess pigmentation affecting the eye and surrounding tissues.

In some cases, these procedures have also been used to soften the appearance of a prominent gray or white ring around the colored part of the eye, which can become more noticeable with age. This approach does not remove the ring but may help blend its appearance.

It’s important to know that while this ring is usually harmless to vision, in some people (especially younger adults) it can be associated with elevated cholesterol levels. In those cases, it may be harmless to the eyes but not necessarily to heart and blood vessel health.

The vast majority of the surgeons also strongly discourage the procedures that place cosmetic iris implants due to serious risks and long-term complications.



Eye Alignment and Appearance

Eye misalignment can significantly affect confidence and social interaction, even when vision is otherwise stable.

• Strabismus surgery improves eye alignment for cosmetic reasons and, in some cases, binocular function.

This is one of the most overlooked cosmetic eye procedures, yet it can have a profound impact on quality of life.



Vision Correction With Cosmetic Impact

Some procedures are performed primarily for vision correction but also offer meaningful cosmetic benefits.

• Laser refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, SMILE) reduces dependence on thick glasses or contact lenses.
  
  
• Phakic intraocular lenses (implantable contact lenses) are an option for patients with very high prescriptions who are not candidates for laser correction.

Patients with strong prescriptions often notice their eyes appear more natural in size after these procedures.

A Note on Safety and Candidacy

Not everyone is a candidate for every cosmetic eye procedure. Factors such as eye health, pupil size, tear film quality, corneal thickness, and overall ocular anatomy play an important role in determining safety and outcomes. 

This is where comprehensive eye exams and careful counseling are essential.

The Role of Your Optometrist


While cosmetic eye procedures are performed by surgeons, your optometrist is often the first professional patients turn to with questions. Our role is to:

• Explain anatomy and options clearly
  
  
• Identify potential risks or contraindications
  
  
• Help patients make informed, realistic decisions
  
  
• Coordinate referrals when appropriate

Understanding these procedures empowers patients to approach cosmetic eye care thoughtfully and safely.


[Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. Therefore, it should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. For individualized advice and recommendations, please contact Dr. Boris Mardian, OD, at any time.]

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