Eye lid surgery
Ectropion: Outward turning of the lower eyelid
Stretching of the lower eyelid with age allows the eyelid to droop downward and turn outward. Eyelid burns or skin disease may also cause this problem. Ectropion can cause dryness of the eyes, excessive tearing, redness and sensitivity to light and wind. Surgery may restore the normal position of the eyelid, improving these symptoms.
Entropion: Inward turning of the eyelid
Entropion also occurs most commonly as a result of aging. Infection and scarring inside the eyelid are other causes of entropion. When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes and skin rub against the eye, making it red, irritated and sensitive to light and wind.
Excess eyelid skin
Over time, many people develop excess eyelid skin. Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the body, so it tends to stretch. In the upper eyelid, this stretched skin may limit the peripheral field of vision, and may produce a feeling of heaviness and a tired appearance. In the lower eyelid, “bags” form. The excess skin in the upper eyelids can be removed surgically by a procedure called a blepharoplasty to improve the peripheral field of vision and other symptoms. Removal of the excess skin in either the upper or lower eyelids may improve appearance. If excess fatty tissue is present, it may be removed at the same time.
Eyelid plastic surgery
Eyelid plastic surgery is almost always performed using local anaesthesia. Before surgery, your ophthalmologist (medical eye doctor) will perform an eye examination and make recommendations. If you are planning to have surgery, be sure to tell your ophthalmologist if you are taking aspirin or aspirin containing drugs, blood thinners, or have a bleeding problem.
This surgery is generally safe; however, as with any surgery, there are certain risks:
- The ophthalmic surgeon will attempt to make both eyes look similar, but differences in healing between the eyes may cause some unevenness in the appearance following surgery.
- A “black eye” may occur, but will go away quickly.
- The eye may feel dry after surgery, because it may be more difficult to close your eyes completely. This irritation generally disappears as the surgery heals.
- Serious complications are rare. The risk of losing vision is estimated to be less than one in 5000 surgeries. Infections and excessive scarring occur infrequently.
Eyelid plastic surgery procedures can be performed safely as day surgery.
