Upneeq: Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift for Adults
What Is Acquired Blepharoptosis?
Droopy eyelids can affect both your appearance and how you see. Understanding this common condition and your treatment choices is the first step to protecting your vision and feeling confident about your care.
Acquired blepharoptosis is when the upper eyelid gradually droops down over the eye. This typically develops later in life and can be caused by aging, repeated contact lens use, eye injuries, or even some medical procedures. Unlike congenital ptosis, this form appears gradually and may affect one or both eyes.
Droopy eyelids can narrow your field of vision, making daily activities like reading or driving harder. You might notice yourself tilting your head back or raising your eyebrows just to see better. These habits may lead to headaches or a tired-looking appearance.
Upneeq contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which helps a muscle in your upper eyelid (the Müller’s muscle) contract. With one drop, this muscle lifts the eyelid temporarily, brightening your look and opening your upper field of vision.
Upneeq gives you a flexible, temporary option without surgery. You control when you use it, there’s no downtime, no stitches, and no long recovery period. This makes it a popular choice for patients in Penndel, Levittown, Bensalem, and across the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area who want results without a lengthy commitment.
Using Upneeq Safely and Correctly
Proper use is important for best results and for minimizing side effects. Our ophthalmologists will guide you every step of the way at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel.
Apply one drop in each affected eye once daily. The drops come in single-use vials, discard each vial immediately after use, even if solution remains.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Upneeq. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in to prevent the medicine from collecting on the lens.
If you use other eye medications, space them out by at least 15 minutes. This ensures each medicine can work properly and doesn’t get washed out.
Keep your Upneeq vials at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Never freeze them or leave them in a hot car, extreme temperatures can reduce effectiveness.
Who Should Consider Upneeq?
Upneeq is safe and effective for many adults, but our ophthalmologists need to evaluate each patient to be sure it’s the right choice.
Upneeq is intended for adults with mild to moderate acquired eyelid droop that affects vision or appearance, and whose condition is not due to a serious underlying disease.
A complete eye exam is needed before Upneeq is prescribed. Our doctors will check for causes like stroke, aneurysm, Horner’s syndrome, or myasthenia gravis, since these need different care. Getting this evaluation helps keep you safe.
Patients with heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or issues with dizziness should use Upneeq carefully and under medical supervision. The medication can affect blood pressure for some people.
If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are under 18 years old, Upneeq is not recommended. We will help you find the best treatment option for your needs.
Side Effects and Safety Information
Most patients tolerate Upneeq well, but like any medicine, side effects are possible. Most are mild and temporary.
Reported side effects in studies include:
- Eye redness
- Dry eye symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Eye discomfort or irritation
- Headache
Call your doctor at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel right away if you notice severe pain, sudden changes in vision, swelling, or discharge from your eye. Rarely, Upneeq may affect blood pressure, report chest pain, severe headache, or dizziness to your doctor promptly.
Cost and Insurance Information
Costs and insurance coverage can vary. We help our patients in the Penndel and Greater Philadelphia region understand their financial options before starting treatment.
A 30-day supply of Upneeq usually costs about $229 without insurance, but this can change over time or depending on where you fill your prescription.
Some insurance plans might pay for Upneeq if your ptosis affects vision and your doctor confirms medical need. Others may consider it cosmetic and not cover it. Check with your insurer to learn your policy details.
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can often use these funds to pay for your prescription, which may help reduce your costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions from patients considering Upneeq at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel.
Yes, if both upper eyelids are affected, your doctor may prescribe Upneeq for each eye. One drop per eye daily helps restore your appearance and field of vision.
Results usually start within 5 to 15 minutes, with the full eyelid lift visible around one hour after applying. The effect lasts up to eight hours for most people.
Yes. The effects are temporary and last for the day, so regular use is needed to maintain the lifted appearance. There are no withdrawal effects, your eyelids will return to their previous position if you stop.
Studies show Upneeq stays effective with daily use, and tolerance doesn’t seem to develop. You can expect reliable results with proper use.
You can use Upneeq with makeup. Apply the drop first to clean eyes, wait a few minutes before applying makeup or skincare, and avoid rubbing your eyes after using the drop.
If you forget a dose, apply it when you remember, but don’t use more than one dose per eye on the same day. Setting a daily routine, like using it before brushing your teeth, may help you remember.
Coverage depends on your insurance plan’s rules. Our team at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel can help with paperwork and verifying your benefits.
Patients with dry eye can often use Upneeq, but should talk with our doctors first. Because Upneeq may cause dry eye symptoms, our team can recommend lubricating drops or monitor your comfort to help you manage both treatments safely.
Your Eye Health Partner in Penndel
Upneeq offers a gentle, non-surgical solution for adults with acquired droopy eyelids. If you’re interested in learning more or want to see if Upneeq is right for you, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel. Our team is dedicated to helping patients in Penndel, Bucks County, and the Greater Philadelphia area achieve healthy vision and confidence in their care.
Suffering since Jan with pain, Wills Eye couldn’t figure it out. Dr. Soll gave same-day appt, removed it. Felt better! Dr. Soll is a God send. Forever grateful. Best ophthalmologist ever!!!
Cam Fen
First time at Refocus, 1st class team! Funny, professional girls. Services: laser therapy, Botox, eye exams. Dr. Soll caring, explains prevention. Thanks Refocus! Great Team 🤙
Chris Gray
First visit at Refocus. Very pleased with Dr. Patricia Martinez and staff, kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and professional.
Grace insogna
Dr. Amin is an exceptionally patient ophthalmologist. She thoroughly examined my eyes and identified the true cause of my inflammation, providing the appropriate treatment. I am deeply grateful for Dr. Amin's professionalism
S. Zeng
Dr. Martinez is a really great physician. Very professional, thorough and willing to answer any questions.
David Mintz
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