Last week, the Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, had cosmetic eyelid surgery to help improve his vision.

The procedure was done under local anesthetic meaning the Prime Minister was conscious throughout, and it lasted about 40 minutes. An official from the Prime Minister’s office said Olmert had had the procedure done because he was suffering from slight disturbances to his vision.

Olmert is well known for being image-conscious. He is always seen in expensive suits and ties, and he is regularly seen jogging and working out. He has also had laser eye surgery in the past so that he could banish the glasses he used to wear.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a popular technnique where fat is removed from the upper and lower eyelids, along with any excess skin and muscle, to correct any ‘droop’ in the upper lids or puffy bags under the eyes.