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Oculoplastics

Oculoplastic Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery is commonly referred to as “eyelid surgery.” While the upper and lower eyelids are a main focus of oculoplastic procedures, the discipline is actually much broader. It combines the technology of ophthalmology and the precision of plastic surgery to restore the periorbital and facial tissues including the eyelids, eyebrows, forehead, cheeks, orbit (bony cavity around the eye), and lacrimal (tear) system.

Oculoplastic surgeons are board-certified ophthalmologists, who, in addition to their ability to perform reconstructive eyelid procedures, can also perform less invasive rejuvenation procedures such as Botox injections.

Some oculoplastic surgery may be covered by insurance depending on the situation and the amount of visual impairment. The only way to determine if eyelid surgery is truly a medical necessity is to visit with Valley Eye’s experienced oculoplastic surgeon who can help you with a treatment plan.

Common Eyelid Conditions

If you’re awake and your eyelids are not working properly, you likely notice excessive watering, discomfort, and redness. These symptoms can negatively impact your vision and are signs that your eyelids may need medical attention. These problems could be due to previous eyelid trauma, weakening muscles around the eye, a damaged facial nerve, or chronic infection.

Most eyelid maladies fall into four common categories: ectropion, entropion, skin lesions, and dermatochalasis.

Ectropion of the lid describes an eyelid that turns outward, leaving the delicate inner surface exposed and prone to irritation. Ectropion is most common in older adults, and it generally affects only the lower eyelid. In severe cases, the entire length of the eyelid is turned out.

Entropion is an eyelid that turns inward, causing the eyelashes and/or skin to rub against the eyeball itself. This leads to a great deal of irritation and discomfort. An entropic eyelid may be turned in all the time or only with a hard blink.

Skin lesions can develop anywhere on the body, including the eyelid. Here they may cause irritation or obstruct vision. Because skin lesions can be cancerous, it is best to have any lesion carefully evaluated. Our surgeons at Valley Eye are skilled in the identification, treatment, and removal of lesions of the eyelids.

Dermatochalasis is the presence of excessive loose skin of the upper or lower eyelids. It commonly causes a “baggy” eye appearance that makes patients look tired or can obstruct vision. A commonly performed surgery called a blepharoplasty can correct this condition.

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