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
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