MORE THAN JUST EYES

At Coast Plaza Hospital, the dedication of our ophthalmologists to your quality of vision doesn’t stop with the eyes themselves.

Patients’ eyelids play both a protective and an aesthetic role for the face, shielding eyes from bright lights and foreign objects while framing the eyes, giving us each a unique expression. If the eyelids are distorted, vision may be impaired. With this in mind, our board-certified physicians offer expert treatment for several conditions affecting the eyelids and surrounding areas.

EYELID REJUVENATION

Dermatochalasis, a condition resulting from loose skin and baggy eyelids, can involve both upper and lower eyelids, often reducing peripheral vision as well as making eyes look and feel tired. If lower lids are significantly affected, it may make wearing eyeglasses difficult. Many people, including those in their twenties and thirties, are unhappy with the sagging skin, dark circles, and bags beneath their eyes, and feel their eyes make them look tired and old beyond their years.

Blepharoplasty is the most common treatment for dermatochalasis, and is specifically designed to correct baggy or sagging eyelid skin, muscle and fat pockets. This procedure creates a more youthful appearance by removing any excess skin and fat beneath the eye and by reshaping the underlying muscle. On occasion, the ophthalmologist may recommend Botox treatment, either alone or in conjunction with blepharoplasty, to reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows and around the eyes (crows feet).

The results of blepharoplasty include both functional and cosmetic improvement to the eyelid. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and requires only local anesthesia. Down time is short and post procedure care is minimal.

For more information about this procedure, please contact the Eye Care Program at (562) 868-3751, extension 2115.

PTOSIS

In Ptosis, the upper eyelid droops as though there is a shade in the patient’s vision. This condition
occurs when the muscles that raise the eyelid lack the strength to do so properly as a result of detachment or nerve damage. Droopy eyelids block the upper part of the visual field, impairing peripheral vision and affecting activities such as reading or driving. In children, such a droopy eyelid can lead to a type of poor vision called “amblyopia.” It is therefore important for this condition to be treated in the young before given the chance to permanently interfere with vision development. In addition, afflicted adults and children alike frequently suffer headaches from constantly lifting their brows in an attempt to further open their eyelids.

To correct ptosis, the ophthalmologist can either reattach or shorten the affected eyelid muscle, depending upon the specific condition. This simple procedure serves to resolve the patient’s symptoms and restores any formerly restricted field of vision.

ECTROPION

Many people over the age of 60 begin to lose tone in the muscles that secure the lower eyelid against the eye, resulting in an abnormal lower eyelid that turns outward and no longer touches the eye. This leaves the eye exposed and dry, and can lead to excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid, discharge, infection and impaired vision.

If the patient suffers corneal damage or has chronic conjunctivitis, surgery for ectropion correction may be required.

ENTROPION

Muscle spasms, trauma, and certain diseases can force the lower eyelid to turn inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye, which leads to irritation, tearing and redness.  If left untreated, entropion may cause infection and scarring of the cornea.

Treatment for this condition consists of minor surgery during which the ophthalmologist removes the excess skin of the outer lid while tightening and repositioning the eyelid. Surgery relieves redness, tearing, and foreign body sensation.

EYELID LESIONS

The human eyelid is vulnerable to attack from a variety of growths. Estimates find that 80 to 85% are non-cancerous, though any irregularities should be evaluated by an eye care professional. If you see a growth on your eyelid, notice a loss of eyelashes, or sense that the shape of an eyelid is changing, call your doctor or the Coast Plaza Eye Care Program. Preventive care is important when maintaining the health of your eyes.

Though eyelid surgery is often thought of as cosmetic, most insurers, including Medicare, cover the abovementioned procedures when vision is affected. If you are in need of evaluation by our team of specialists, please contact the Coast Plaza Eye Care Program at (562) 868-3751, extension 2115.

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