Many people have droopy eyelids which become more pronounced in old age. Some people can compensate for ptosis by raising their forehead muscles. It can make them tired and also they may lose peripheral vision in the upper field of gaze. In children, if droopy eyelid is blocking the vision, it may result in amblyopia. Excess eyelid skin, droopy eyelids or eyelids that turn inward or outward are common problems. They can cause eye discomfort, and even limit vision. Fortunately, such eyelid conditions are correctable by surgery.

Ptosis: Upper Eyelid Drooping

Ptosis is apparent at birth or develops with age. A child with congenital ptosis may tilt his or her head backward in order to see, so it does not always lead to poor vision. Eyelid Surgery Mountain View to correct ptosis is commonly recommended in the preschool years to make it easier for children to see and to improve appearance. The type of surgery varies, depending upon how much the eyelids droop.

Involutional ptosis develops with aging. It may worsen after other types of eye surgery or eyelid swelling. Ptosis may limit your side vision. If it occurs in one eye, it may create an uneven appearance. Eye Surgeon Fremont of the eyelid often leads to better vision and improved appearance.

Excess Eyelid Skin

Over time, many people develop excess eyelid skin.

Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the body, so it tends to stretch. In the upper eyelid, this stretched skin may limit your side vision. The same problem causes “bags” to form in the lower eyelids.

The excess skin in the upper eyelids can be removed surgically by a procedure called a blepharoplasty to improve side vision and other symptoms. Removal of the excess skin in either the upper or lower eyelids may improve appearance. If excess fatty tissue is present, it may be removed at the same time.

Ectropion: Outward Turning of the Lower Eyelid

Stretching of the lower eyelid with age may cause the eyelid to droop downward and turn outward. Eyelid burns or skin disease may also cause this problem. Ectropion can cause dryness of the eyes, excessive tearing, redness and sensitivity to light and wind. Surgery may restore the normal position of the eyelid, improving these symptoms.

Entropion: Inward Turning of the Lower Eyelid

Entropion also occurs most commonly as a result of aging. Infection and scarring inside the eyelid are other causes of entropion. When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes and skin rub against the eye, making it red, irritated and sensitive to light and wind.

If entropion is not treated, an infection may develop on the clear surface of the eye called the cornea. With surgery, the eyelid can be turned outward to its normal position, protecting the eye and improving these symptoms.

Eyelid Plastic Surgery Using Laser

Eyelid Surgery Mountain View is almost always performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. First, eyelid measurements are taken and if needed, a visual field test is performed. External photographs will also be obtained. If you are a good candidate, a laser will be used to perform the surgery. This surgery is generally safe. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks:

The Vision Correction Surgeon will attempt to make both eyes look similar, but differences in healing between the eyes may cause some unevenness in appearance following surgery. A black eye is common, but will go away quickly. The eye may feel dry after surgery because it may be more difficult to close your eyes completely. This irritation generally disappears as the eyelids heal. Serious complications are rare. The risk of losing vision is estimated to be less than one in 5,000 surgeries. Infections and excessive scarring occur infrequently.

The improvement in vision, comfort, and appearance can be very gratifying.

Find More Eyelid Surgery Articles