Oculoplastic & Cosmetic Surgery
Oculoplastic surgery helps reconstruct the area around the eye. Eye Specialists and Surgeons of Northern Virginia offer solutions for helping patients with excess eyelid skin, droopy eyelids or eyelids that turn inward or outward. Changes to the eyes caused by hereditary weaknesses, prolonged abuse of the skin, over-exposure to the sun, and aging can change your appearance, limit your vision, and cause eye pain. We specialize in treatment of ptosis, ectropion, entropion, epiblepharon, tearing, lid lesions, orbital fractures, orbital lesions, chalazions, and more.
We use the latest techniques to customize a treatment plan for you. Schedule your consultation today!
Ptosis Repair
Ptosis is the drooping of one or both of the upper eyelids. It is related to the decreased function of the eyelid muscles. You can be born with this condition or it may be caused by aging, trauma, or an underlying muscular or neurological disease. This condition may affect one’s vision by blocking the superior visual field. Ptosis can be treated by surgical repair with the goals of improving the field of vision and establishing symmetry between the eyelids. Ptosis repair surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be performed at an ambulatory surgical center or in the office.
Blepharoplasty
As you age, the skin and muscles of your eyelids and eyebrows may sag and droop. You may get a lump in the eyelid due to normal fat around your eye that begins to show under the skin. These changes can lead to other problems. For example:
- Excess skin on your upper eyelid can block your peripheral vision (what you see to the sides when you look straight ahead). Your forehead might get tired from trying to keep your eyelids open. The skin on your upper eyelid may get irritated.
- Loose skin and fat in the lower lid can create “bags” under the eyes that are accentuated by drooping of your cheeks with age. Many people think these bags look unattractive and make them seem older or chronically tired.
Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can help correct these problems. Patients often refer to this surgery as an “eyelid tuck” or “eyelid lift.” Please know that the eyelid itself may not be lifted during this type of surgery, but instead the heaviness of the upper eyelids and/or puffiness of the lower eyelids is usually improved.
Ectropion Repair (Turned-Out Eyelid)
Ectropion is the outward turning of the eyelid, most commonly affecting the lower lids. This lid sagging can lead to excessive ocular dryness, tearing, and irritation. Ectropion is often caused by aging, trauma, and facial nerve paralysis. Ectropion can be temporarily treated with artificial tears and ointments, but the permanent solution is outpatient surgery to correct lid direction.
Entropion Repair (Turned-In Eyelid)
Entropion is a condition where the upper or lower eyelid turns inward, rubbing the lashes against the eye, causing the eye to become irritated, red, and sensitive to light and wind. If it is not treated, the condition can lead to pain, tearing, discharge, and irritation. If entropion is severe or left untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to corneal damage and decreased vision. If entropion exists, it is important to have a doctor surgically repair the condition before permanent damage occurs to the eye.
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Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (NLDO)
NLDO is when the eye’s natural drainage system becomes clogged. It usually presents with mucus buildup, and excessive tearing. After the identification of the blockage, a physician may begin by recommending warm compresses and antibiotic eye drops. If these do not alleviate the symptoms, surgical intervention via dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) may be the method used to correct this obstruction.
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The Doctors at Eye Specialists & Surgeons of Northern Virginia have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.