Eye Lid Conditions
Ectropion
An ectropion is a drooping or sagging of the lower eyelid resulting in the eyelid margin turning outwards, further exposing the eye’s surface (the cornea) resulting in inadequate closure of the eyelid and reduced natural lubrication. The patient commonly experiences a red, irritated eye with excessive tearing and visible turning out of the eyelid. Eyelid conditions usually occur from weakening or loosening of the eyelid, and risk factors primarily include age, skin conditions, previous lid surgery and trauma.
Untreated, this condition can result in persistent irritation of the eye, crusting of the eyelid, mucosal discharge and sometimes may lead to serious inflammation or corneal infections, abrasions or ulcers due to the decreased lubrication and increased irritation of the eye’s surface.
Conservative management can include use of ocular lubricating medications e.g. Artificial tears and taping of the eyelid. For surgical management, the approach may differ due to the underlying cause for the ectropion. Surgery for eyelid conditions are performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic with mild sedation, where the surgeon will shorten and or tighten the lower eyelid. Occasionally, the procedure may require a graft from another area (from the upper lid, around your ear, or from the inner upper arm) to help repair the eyelid where there may have been previous scarring or damage to the eyelid. Some swelling, bruising and mild post-operative discomfort can occur, however after healing your eye should feel more comfortable.
As with all surgery, there are some risks involved which will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Entropion
An entropion is where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye (the cornea), often caused by muscle weakness due to aging, eyelid spasms, previous lid surgery or trauma and can occasionally lead to corneal infections, abrasions or ulcers. Symptoms experienced can include irritation, foreign body sensation, excessive tearing and redness. Temporary relief is often provided by lubricating medications and taping of the eyelid until surgery is possible.
For surgical management, the approach may differ due to the underlying cause for the entropion. The surgery is performed as a day procedure in hospital under local anaesthetic with mild sedation, where the surgeon will shorten and or tighten the eyelid. Some swelling, bruising and mild post-operative discomfort can occur, however after healing your eye should feel more comfortable.
As with all surgery, there are some risks involved which will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Ptosis
Ptosis refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid, a condition that can affect one or both eyelids and interferes with your field of vision. The surgery is performed as a day procedure in hospital under local anaesthetic with mild sedation, where the surgeon will tighten the eyelid muscle to elevate the eyelid to improve the field of vision and correct the drooping. Some swelling, bruising and mild post-operative discomfort can occur, however after healing your eye should feel more comfortable.
As with all surgery, there are some risks involved which will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Blepharoplasty
A blepharoplasty is a procedure which removes excess or sagging skin from upper and/or lower eyelids. The purpose of the surgery is to restore function of the eyelids and improve field of vision in patients whose eyelids are obscuring their vision. The surgery is performed as a day procedure in hospital under local anaesthetic with mild sedation. Some swelling, bruising and mild post-operative discomfort can occur, however after healing your eye should feel more comfortable.
As with all surgery, there are some risks involved which will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Eyelid Lesions, Lumps and Cysts
Lesions, lumps, cysts or growths are common and are usually referred by a GP or optometrist to an oculoplastic surgeon for assessment and management. Surgical management differs depending on diagnosis and some lesions require a biopsy prior to excision and reconstructive repair. For excisions with reconstructive repair, surgery is performed as a day procedure in hospital under local anaesthetic with mild sedation. Depending on the type and location of lesion, reconstruction may require skin grafts or flaps. Lesions are sent for analysis under microscopy by pathologists and occasionally, more than 1 surgery is required. Some swelling, bruising and mild post-operative discomfort can occur, however after healing your eye should feel more comfortable.
As with all surgery, there are some risks involved which will be discussed with you at your consultation.