Eyelid Problems

Our eyelids play both a protective and an aesthetic role foar our eyes. They lubricate and wash away irritants, shield eyes from bright lights and allow sleep, and frame the eyes and give us expression. If eyelids are misshapen, irritated, on infected, vision may be impaired.

What are some common eyelid problems?

Dermatochalasis: drooping or baggy eyelids; treated with blepharoplasty surgery.

Blepharoptosis (ptosis): drooping of the upper eyelid; treated with surgery on the cuscle that lifts the eyelid

Entropion: when the lowere eyelid and lashes turn inward; treated with surgery to tighten and reposition the eyelid.

Ectropion: an abnormal lower eyelid that turns outward and no longer touches the eye. Treatment occasionally involves using artificial tears or lubricant ointment to protect the cornea. Surgery for ectropion may be required.

Skin Cancer: including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and sebaceous cell carcinoma. Treatment involves complete surgical removal of athe cancer and reconstruction of the effected area.

Blepharitis: chronic redness, irritation and flaking of the eyelids; treated with warm compressees, cleaning, and applying antibiotic ointment to the eyelids.

How is Botox used?

Botox is most commonly used for blepharospasm (eyelid twitching), hemifacial spasm (involuntary muscular contractions on one side of the face), seventh nerve dysfunction and the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles.