Eyelid surgery can be for cosmetic or medical reasons. As we age, upper eyelids can droop or become heavy, sometimes resulting in problems with vision. Lower eyelids can sag, causing watery eyes or a tendency for frequent eye infections. The bulging of fatty tissue through thinning skin as we age can result in unsightly puffy or baggy lower eyelids. The doctors at Physicians Eye Care and Laser Center can evaluate your eyelid problem and counsel you regarding possible surgery. In many cases medical insurance will cover these procedures. Eyelid surgery is always outpatient and performed in the office with local anesthesia.
Upper Eyelids
The most common upper eyelid problems are excess overhanging skin (dermatochalasis) or weakness of the muscle that raises the eyelid (ptosis). Surgery for excess upper eyelid skin which can be unsightly or visually impairing is called blepharoplasty. Both men and women can benefit from these procedures. Surgical repair of these problems is generally straightforward and our doctors at Physicians Eye Care and Laser Center can advise you about the best solution for your specific problem.
An example of a patient in her 40’s having successful blepharoplasty
An example of a patient in her 80’s who suffered from having excess eyelid skin impairing her vision
Lower Eyelids
Aging can weaken the muscles that support the lower eyelids, causing drooping and separation of the lower lids from the eye (ectropion) or actual rolling in of the lower lid against the eye (entropion). These conditions can cause anything from occasional irritation to frequent eye infections and fortunately can be easily repaired surgically. The most common lower eyelid problem is herniated orbital fat. This appears as bulging or baggy lower eyelids as the normal fatty tissue which cushions the eyeball in the eye socket protrudes through thinning, aging skin. Our doctors at Physicians Eye Care and Laser Center can counsel you as to what type of surgery would correct your lower eyelid problem.
Botox
Botox (TM, Allergan, Inc.) is widely known for the treatment of wrinkles. Wrinkles are caused by the frequent contraction of facial muscles under the skin. Botox relaxes these muscles which results in a smoothing out of the overlying skin. Botox injections are painless and repeated about 3 times a year. If you are unhappy with the appearance of forehead wrinkles, frown lines, or crow’s feet around the eyes, the doctors at Physicians Eye Care and Laser Center can counsel you regarding botox treatment for these wrinkles.
Some patients suffer from uncontrollable blinking of the lids (blepharospasm) or facial muscles (hemifacial spasm). Botox successfully treats these conditions and can be covered by medical insurance.
