Eyelid Surgery
Oculoplastic, Orbit and Lacrimal Care
Oculoplastics is a specialised field of ophthalmology focused on the medical and surgical management of conditions affecting the eyelids, orbit (the bony socket that houses the eye), tear ducts, and the area around the eyes. This branch of medicine combines expertise in both functional and aesthetic treatments, addressing issues such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), orbital fractures, tear duct blockages, and skin cancers near the eyes. Oculoplastic surgeons are trained to handle a wide range of conditions, from congenital issues and trauma to aging-related concerns, offering both corrective and cosmetic solutions to improve both the function and appearance of the eyes and surrounding structures. Whether it’s restoring the ability to blink or enhancing facial aesthetics, oculoplastic procedures play a crucial role in maintaining the health and beauty of one of the most delicate and important parts of the face.
Some Common Conditions included:
Excess Eyelids
Excess eyelid skin or fat on either upper or lower eyelids may appear as drooping, puffiness, or wrinkles, making eyes appear aged and feel heavy.
Ptosis
Ptosis is a condition that can affect one or both eyelids and can cause sagging or drooping. This can be due to various reasons, including aging, weakened muscles, and nerve damage. Individuals may simply be unhappy with the appearance of their eyes, but it can also obscure the line of sight.
Ectropia and Entropic
Eyelids which are too tight or too loose (ectropia and entropic):-
Ectropia usually occurs in the lower lid and the lid turns outwards, away from the eye. Unfortunately, this can then cause exposure of the inner lid, resulting in dryness, irritation, and even a risk of infection. This condition can affect one or both eyes and is typically associated with aging, injury, previous surgery, and neurological conditions.
Entropian eyelids refer to when the eyelid turns inwards and causes the eyelashes to rub on the front surface of the eye itself and can be age-related. This can often lead to regular discomfort, soreness, constant irritation, with a foreign body sensation, redness, and tearing.
Lumps and Bumps
A variety of lumps and bumps can develop around the eyes and eyelids. In most cases these are innocent cysts or chalazion, which can form slowly as meibomian glands, which are along the eyelid get blocked. Initially, these can be quite uncomfortable and many individuals dislike the physical appearance as they develop.
Watery Eyes
Watery eyes or epiphora is when the eye creates excessive tears or affects the drainage of tears from the eye. This can be caused by numerous issues, including allergies, dry eye, blepharitis, or a blockage of a tear duct, and is more common in individuals over the age of 50. It can affect one eye or both and as well as excessive eye watering, can cause discomfort or irritation, redness, and even cloudy vision.
Droopy Eyebrows
Droopy eye brows can occur as part of the natural aging process when the muscles in the brow begin to weaken, trauma, or facial nerve weaknesses.
Treatments Available
Blepharoplasty
This procedure aims to remove excessive skin and fat, resulting in a more open, youthful eye. A blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery may also be performed for more functional reasons; for example, if an individual’s lids are obscuring their line of sight, affecting vision.
The procedure involves removing tissue from the lids, along natural lines to avoid easily visible scarring. Recovery time can vary depending on the individual but patients are typically back to normal activities in a couple of weeks.
Ectropian Repair Surgery
Ectropian repair surgery is the most common treatment and involves tightening the eye lid/s to restore its normal position. Additional lubrication for the affects of dry eyes and taping the lids can offer some short term relief.
Entropian repair treatment involves a surgical procedure to reposition the lid and may require graft tissue to prevent further irritation.
Ptosis Repair or Blepharoptosis
Ptosis repair or blepharoptosis is a surgical procedure that tightens the muscles in the eyelid. Either performed superficially, with the natural lines around the eye limiting the visible scarring, or posteriorly.
Lumps and Bumps
Treatment for cysts and chalazions (lumps and bumps)can be minimally invasive with warm compresses and drops. If this does not help, then a minor procedure to remove the lump under local anaesthetic can be performed.
Brow Lift Surgery
Brow lift surgery can be performed to repair the drooping muscle, reposition the brow, and remove excess skin. However, depending on severity, non-surgical options, such a botulinum toxins, may be helpful to avoid minor surgery.
Lacrimnal System & Watery Eyes
Treatments for the lacrimal system and aid watery eyes (epiphora) can come in various forms including medication and punctum plugs, to minor surgical procedures to repair the tear ducts.
Eyelid Surgery at Vision Care Clinic
For a thorough diagnosis of your eye issues and a corrective treatment plan, we suggest arranging an appointment with a specialist, oculoplastic ophthalmologist. Every care will be taken to examine your eyes, suggest and thoroughly explain the most appropriate treatment plan.