Oculoplastic (Eyelid, Orbit and Tearing System) Procedures
Dermatochalasis (excess eyelid tissue)
Upper eyelid surgery removing excess eyelid skin, muscle and fatty tissue can raise the droopy eyelid making it easier to keep the eyes open and improving peripheral vision. Lower lid surgery removes bagginess and frequently can be done from the inside of the lid hiding the incision. If the upper eyelid drooping is such that it interferes with vision, this procedure is sometimes covered by insurance.
Ptosis (droopy eyelids)
Ptosis (droopy eyelids) can by caused by decreased or lack of function in the muscle that raises the eyelid(s). There are many causes for ptosis such as trauma, age-related weakening, congenital weakness and neurologic disease. There are different procedures to treat ptosis correlating to the cause of muscle weakness or lack of function.
Brow Ptosis (drooping of the eyebrows)
Brow ptosis (drooping of the eyebrows) may contribute to a tired appearance or, in some cases, interfere with peripheral vision. This can be corrected surgically via a direct incision over the eyebrow or through an extensive forehead endoscopic procedure. In some cases the direct brow lift procedure may be covered by insurance.
Tearing
Excessive tearing has many causes including inflammation, nasolacrimal duct obstruction (blocked tear ducts) and eyelid malposition. These conditions may be treated surgically or with medication.
Ectropion (laxity of the eyelid) and Entropion (turning in of the eyelid)
Eyelid laxity can make the lid turn outwards causing redness, tearing and foreign body sensation. Usually surgery is necessary to correct it.
When the eyelid turns in, it can cause a foreign body or scratchy sensation. Surgery is usually necessary to correct this condition.
Eyelid and Orbit Lesions
Benign and malignant lesions may develop on and around the eyes. Many eyelid lesions can be biopsied or removed during our minor surgery day. Deeper or more complex growths need to be scheduled for removal or biopsy at the hospital after initial office consultation. The most common cancers seen on the eyelids are basal and squamous cell cancers. Repair can be achieved through a variety of methods depending on the size and location of the lesion or tumor.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease can cause multiple symptoms such as redness, tearing, eye globe protrusion, double vision, and vision loss. The treatment of thyroid eye disease/Graves’ disease varies, but may include medication, radiation or surgery.
Blind Painful Eyes
Sometimes partial (evisceration) or total (enucleation) eye removal is necessary because of uncontrolled pain and lack of vision. Modern surgical procedures and working with an ocularist often allow the prosthetic eye to appear more natural.
Orbital Fracture
Orbital fractures may require surgical repair, particularly if one of the muscles that move the eye is trapped in the fracture limiting eye movement and causing double vision.
Blepharospasm/Hemifacial Spasm
Blepharospasms/hemifacial spasms are uncontrollable spasms around both eyes or on one side of the face. These conditions are usually treated with Botox. Botox can also be used cosmetically to treat dynamic wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.
Your Maine Eye Oculoplastics Specialists are: