Baggy Eyelids (Dermatochalasis)
Excessive skin, fat, and aging in the upper or lower eyelid. Baggy eyelids are sometimes referred to as “puffy” or “heavy” eyelids. While some people are born with heavy eyelids others may develop excess skin and puffiness as a result of sun exposure, the aging process or injury. Blepharoplasty is the name of the surgery that is performed to remove excess skin and fat of the eyelids to improve appearance.
Ectropion
Ectropion means that the lower eyelid is “rolled out” away from the eye, or is sagging away from the eye. The sagging lower eyelid leaves the eye exposed and dry. If ectropion is not treated, the condition can lead to chronic tearing, eye irritation, redness, pain, a gritty feeling, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, and breakdown of the cornea due to exposure.
What Causes Ectropion?
Generally the condition is the result of tissue relaxation associated with aging, although it may also occur as a result of facial nerve paralysis (due to Bell’s palsy,stroke or other nurologic conditions), trauma, scarring, previous surgeries or skin cancer.
A patient with involutional ectropion of the left lower eyelid. Keratinization of the palpebral conjunctiva is present. Image courtesy of Marcus M. Marcet, MD FACS
What Are The Symptoms?
The wet, inner, conjunctival surface is exposed and visible. Normally, the upper and lower eyelids close tightly, protecting the eye from damage and preventing tear evaporation. If the edge of one eyelid turns outward, the two eyelids cannot meet properly and tears are not spread evenly over the eye. Symptoms may include excessive tearing, chronic irritation, redness, pain, a gritty feeling, crusting of the eyelid and mucous discharge.
Can Ectropion Be Repaired?
Yes, ectropion can be repaired surgically. Most patients experience immediate resolution of the problem once the surgery is completed with little if any, post-operative discomfort. After your eyelid heals, your eye will feel comfortable and be protected from corneal scarring, infection, and loss of vision.
Entropion
Entropion is a malposition resulting in inversion of the eyelid margin. The morbidity of the condition is a result of ocular surface irritation and damage. Successful management of this condition depends on appropriate classification and a procedural choice that adequately addresses the underlying abnormality.