A woman who had plastic surgery on her eyelids is no longer able to fully close them because of the surgery. The woman filed a medical malpractice suit against the plastic surgeon who performed the surgery, and a jury awarded her $115,000. The woman says she is unhappy with the decision because the award does not come close to what she has experienced since the surgery's conclusion. She says you cannot put a price on your ability to see.

Before the surgery that negatively affected the woman's eyelids, the woman had two previous eye procedures. The first eye procedure was conducted to correct ptosis. Ptosis is a congenital condition where the muscles around the eye are not strong enough to fully open the eye lid. People with the condition appear to have droopy eyelids. The woman's second eye surgery was cosmetic. In 2005, the woman had her third surgery that was intended to adjust the previous cosmetic one.

The second surgery had caused small bumps to form along the creases of her eyelids. At first the woman used a cream to smooth the skin, but the doctor who performed the third surgery promised he could further help her with surgery. The plastic surgeon then performed a blepharoplasty, which is a surgery on the eyelids that is meant to provide a more rested and alert appearance.

Since the surgery, the woman has not been able to fully close her eyes and uses creams and steroid drops to keep her eyes moist. At night she wears a special mask that prevents her corneas from getting scratched. As a result of her inability to close her eyes, she is at a greater risk to have glaucoma and blindness. Since the surgery she has had 30 surgeries to reverse the condition. The woman says, "From the minute I wake up, I have to worry about my eyes."

Source: kypost.com, "Woman can't close eyes after plastic surgery, sues," Mikaela Conley, 4/1/11