What’s The Difference Between A Brow Lift & An Eyelid Lift

Baptist Eye Surgeons • June 7, 2019

eyelid liftYour eyes, brows, and forehead play a large role in conveying your emotions and state of well-being. If you have a sagging, heavy forehead or eyebrows, you’re likely to appear more tired, unhappy, or even angry than you actually are. Likewise, if you have heavy, drooping, or puffy eyelids you may appear sad, angry, or tired, even if you aren’t.

Worse yet, well-meaning friends may comment that you look tired, sad, or like you’re feeling down, when you’re actually feeling just fine. The upper portion of your face, however, is suggesting a different story.

Two solutions for concerns about aging of the forehead and eyelids are brow lifts and eyelid lifts—or blepharoplasty. It can be hard to determine if you would benefit most from a brow lift or eyelid lift because the position of your brow can also affect the appearance of your eyelids.

You may think you think you need a brow lift when actually an eyelid lift would rejuvenate your appearance more, or vice versa. And other times, both surgeries are called for. Here are the main differences between brow lifts and eyelid lifts:

Benefits Of Brow Lifts

The position of your eyebrows conveys a wide range of facial expression. If your forehead is creased with deep wrinkles and sagging skin, this may also cause your brows to sag or droop, causing you to appear tired or sad.

Brow lifts smooth the forehead area and improve the positioning of your brows. During a brow lift, the surgeon removes excess sagging skin and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues to restore a more youthful, wide-eyed appearance to the upper third of your face.

Benefits Of Eyelid Lifts

While a brow lift can lift your eyebrows and smooth your forehead area, an eyelid lift focuses solely on your eyelids. During an eyelid lift, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the lids, making them less droopy and puffy. Eyelid lifts can be performed on your upper lids, lower lids, or both.

By removing sagging skin and excess fatty deposits, a skilled upper eyelid lift will reveal the natural contour of your eyelid, giving you a younger, more “awake” and bright-eyed appearance.
Eyelid lifts are often considered cosmetic, but in many cases heavy, drooping upper eyelids also impair vision, whether you realize it or not. In those cases, surgery is considered “functional,” or medically necessary, and insurance typically covers the procedure.

Is A Brow Lift, Eyelid Lift, Or Both Best For You?

Dr. Andrew Anzeljc, Baptist Eye’s oculoplastic surgeon, says, “It is extremely common for people to have both droopy lids and droopy brows to some degree. Whether or not both of them are functionally or medically bothersome is another story and is more complicated. Sometimes people need a functional eyelid surgery and brow surgery, or functional eyelid surgery with optional brow cosmetic surgery. Others may benefit most from a functional brow surgery and cosmetic lid surgery, or both cosmetic lid and brow surgery.

“Each patient is different, of course, and the most effective, natural-looking results depend on many considerations, including genetics, bone structure, sun damage, and other factors. I’m always happy to consult with patients to talk about their concerns, desired goals, and how brow lifts or eyelid lifts might rejuvenate a more youthful appearance.”

In addition, there are also nonsurgical procedures that can improve the appearance of the brow, forehead, and heavy upper eyelids or sagging lower eyelids. Injections such as Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers can help tighten sagging skin and smooth out wrinkles around the eyes and forehead area.

At Baptist Eye Surgeons, Dr. Andrew Anzeljc is an oculoplastic surgeon specializing in both functional, or corrective, and cosmetic procedures such as brow lifts and eyelid procedures. To request an appointment or get directions to our Knoxville and Morristown locations, visit our website. Call us at 865-579-3920 for more information or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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