Eyelid Disorders

How are eyelid disorders treated?

Oculoplastic surgery is the branch of ophthalmology that deals with diseases of the eyelids, tear ducts and orbit (eye socket). In this field, procedures are performed for inward turning of the eyelids (entropion), outward turning of the eyelids (ectropion), drooping eyelids (ptosis), inward-turning eyelashes, opening of congenital or acquired tear duct blockages, eye tumor surgery, and Botox injections for eyelid spasm.

Surgical procedures performed to correct sagging eyelids, which usually develop due to aging together with hereditary factors, are called blepharoplasty.
Ptosis, drooping of the upper eyelid, can be congenital or can develop after trauma, after eye surgery or due to muscle weakness with advancing age. Eyelid drooping (ptosis) means that the upper eyelid sits lower than normal. In congenital cases, a sling is needed so that the forehead muscle can be used to lift the eyelid. In ptosis that develops at an older age, the aim is to surgically shorten and strengthen the muscle that lifts the eyelid.

Inward-turning eyelashes can cause symptoms such as scratching of the surface layers of the eye, a stinging sensation, watering and pain, and in advanced cases can lead to corneal ulcers and vision loss. This condition should also be corrected surgically by turning the eyelid and lashes outward.

In facial paralysis, or when the lower eyelid turns outward (ectropion), the eye becomes exposed to external factors, first leading to dryness and then to infection. Symptoms such as watering, stinging and burning may occur. The normal eyelid position should be restored with surgery.