To report a case of idiopathic upper eyelid swelling with minimal response to steroid treatment treated by upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

A 69-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and smoking history, presented upper eyelid swelling in both eyes starting 5 years ago. The patient had been receiving systemic steroid treatment for idiopathic upper eyelid swelling, though each attempt to taper steroid treatment led to recurrence of eyelid swelling. In the initial examination, both upper eyelids showed swelling. For differential diagnosis, a work-up including laboratory test and computerized tomography (CT) scan of the orbit were initiated. There were no abnormalities on laboratory tests including the thyroid function test. A CT scan of the orbit was unremarkable. For managing symptoms and inflammation, smoking was stopped and steroid treatment was administered. The patient still, however, complained of discomfort and swelling. To relieve symptoms and debulk inflammatory tissue, bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty was performed. The patient experienced reduced discomfort after the surgery. The biopsy showed no abnormalities, except for mild inflammation.

We present a case of idiopathic upper eyelid swelling despite steroid treatment. In this case, upper eyelid blepharoplasty was used with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. Thus, suspension of steroid treatment in cases of patients with recurrent eyelid swelling, in spite of steroid treatment, should be considered.