Upneeq, the FDA-Approved “Eyelid Lifting” Drops

Droopy eyelids are a common sign of aging; however, they can also happen due to certain medical conditions or injuries. The condition affects the upper eyelid and can cause it to become puffy and heavy. This can sometimes lead to vision problems as the drooping lids can block the field of vision. Besides saggy skin, other symptoms of blepharoptosis include excessive tearing, eye irritation, itchiness, and even difficulty removing your contact lenses due to the increased amount of tears in the eye.

What Are the Treatment Options for the Condition?

Depending on the cause of the condition, treatment may or may not be necessary. Only a medical professional will be able to properly diagnose the cause of your droopy eyelids and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. If the symptoms are severe, surgery may be required to correct the problem. Typically, an upper blepharoplasty will be used to restore the position of the eyelid. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper lid to reduce puffiness and improve the look of the face. After the procedure, patients must wear bandages on their faces and forehead to help decrease the swelling and help their stitches heal properly. At-home recovery tips may include applying ice packs to the eyes and keeping them closed to minimize discomfort. 

Another famous treatment option is Upneeq, an FDA-approved eye-lifting eye drop. 

How Does Upneeq Work?

Upneeq eye drops are used to treat mild, moderate, or severe eyelid ptosis (sagging). These eye drops are preservative-free and require no refrigeration prior to use. To use, simply apply a single drop into each eye as needed. You may experience some irritation of the eye after using the drops for the first few times; this is normal. If more irritation occurs or if the pain or visual disturbance worsens, discontinue the use of the product immediately and contact your skin specialist or eye care provider for further treatment recommendations. While the use of this product is not likely to cause complications when used as directed, contact a medical professional if you experience problems with your vision, such as blurriness, pain, sensitivity to light, or other signs of more severe problems.

How to apply Upneeq eye drops?

The first thing to remember when applying eye drops is to always wash your hands first before applying them. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops as well. Next, squeeze the bottle gently and apply one drop directly into the eye’s inner corner. Do not touch the dropper to your eye or eyelid to prevent contaminating the solution. Lastly, blink a few times to spread the liquid evenly over the entire surface of the eye and to allow it to absorb into the eye. If you are prescribed multiple eye drops throughout the day, wait about 15 minutes between applications. This allows the first drop in the eye to absorb fully before adding more medication. If your eyes become red and teary after using eye drops, take a break from the treatment for a couple of days to give the eyes a break. Once your condition improves, you can resume the treatment with a decreased dosage.

The skincare team at our office in La Mirada can create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your specific goals. Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.