When is eyelid surgery needed?

Medically necessary eyelid surgery is performed when the eyelids cause issues that impact vision or the mechanics of the eye. It’s not cosmetic, but a treatment to increase vision and reduce discomfort.

 

Common issues

• Drooping eyelids (ptosis) that reduce the field of vision
• Excess skin (dermatochalasis) that weighs the eye down
• Eyelids turning inwards or outwards (entropion/ectropion) which causes chafing, irritation or tear secretion
• Excess skin on the sides, which impacts the field of vision

 

Symptoms

• Reduced field of vision
• Fatigue or a heavy sensation in the eyes
• Aching in the forehead when trying to raise the eyelids
• Tear secretion, irritation or gritty feeling
• Difficulty driving and reading

 

Screening

The eyes are carefully examined before a potential surgery. This can consist of:

• Measuring the height and functionality of the eyelids
• Measuring excess skin
• Photography
• Examining eye health

 

Is visual field testing included?

Yes. Visual field testing (perimetry) is often included, to see if the field of vision is impacted by the eyelids and if surgery can be justified medically.

 

Surgery

Surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia. Common measures include:

• Removing excess skin in the upper eyelids
• Strengthening or shortening the levator muscle during ptosis
• Correcting the position of the eyelids during entropion/ectropion

The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes and you’re discharged and can go home the same day.

 

Follow-up after surgery

1. Early check-up – after a few days

• Check healing
• Check swelling and potential bruising
• Monitor that the position of the eyelid is progressing correctly

 

2. Suture removal – around 10 days after surgery

• The stitches are removed
• Check the healing of the scar
• Advice on self-care

 

3. Final check-up – around 3 months after surgery

• Final assessment of the results
• Visual field testing (if needed)
• Ensuring stable functionality and cosmetics

 

Vi har ett avtal med Region Skåne.

 

Benign changes to the eyelids

Benign lumps and skin changes to the eyelids are common and often harmless. They can still cause issues, especially if they grow large, are near the eyeball or disturb the mechanics of the eyelid. In such cases, there can be medical reason to remove them.

 

Common examples

• Stye (hordeolum): An acute, red and painful bump caused by an infection of an eyelid oil gland.
• Chalazion (eyelid cyst): A firm, less painful bump that often occurs after a stye.
• Papilloma: A soft, flesh-colored growth that looks like a skin tag.
• Wart (verruca): A small, uneven bump caused by a virus.
• Cysts: Small, fluid-filled blister that can grow with time.
• Xanthelasma: Yellowish cholesterol deposits near the edge of the eyelid.
• Benign tumors in the skin (for example nevus, fibroma): Small bumps or pigmented spots.

 

Symptoms

Depending on the type of change, you can experience:

• Bumps or growths of the eyelid
• Chafing or irritation in the eye
• Tear secretion
• Sensation of pressure or weight
• Difficulties blinking
• Smaller field of view (if the change is high on the upper eyelid)

 

Screening

At your visit, we examine the eyelid in a slit-lamp microscope and measure:

• Size
• Shape
• If the change affects the eye or ability to blink
•  

Visual field testing is performed if the change seems to be affecting the upper field of vision.

 

Surgery

If there is medical reason, the surgery is performed under local anesthetics.

• The change is removed using a small incision.
• The procedure is quick and tends to heal well.

 

Check-up

After a few days: Check healing

After around 10 days: Removing potential stitches

After a month: Final assessment of healing and functionality

We are an authorised centre by Region Skane.