Treatment of eyelid problems
The proper functioning of the eyes partly depends on the position and function of the eyelids. In addition, the eyelids have a major influence on the appearance. The most common problems of the eyelids are:
- Chalazion: grain of hail
- Ectropion: an outwardly turned lower eyelid
- Entropion: an inward turned lower eyelid
- Ptosis: low position of upper eyelid
Chalazion
A chalazion is removed by making an incision in the eyelid. The ophthalmologist will then scrape the clogged gland clean. This is a minor procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. A slightly compressive bandage with eye ointment will be placed on the treated eye after the procedure. A chalazion usually does not return after it has been removed. In some cases, a chalazion will develop again in another place in the eyelid. This will then be removed in the manner just described. You may eat and take your usual medication before the procedure. Make sure you arrive on time.
Ectropion
When an ectropion is caused by sagging skin, it can be remedied by tightening the upper eyelid. Sometimes this happens in combination with shortening of the tissue on the inside of the eyelid. This is done under local anesthesia and the procedure will take approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
During the first week after the procedure, discharge/wound fluid usually comes out of the eye. It’s nothing to worry about. You can gently dab with lukewarm water to remove discharge and crusts. The outer corner of the eye often remains sensitive in the first weeks after the procedure. This will gradually decrease.
Entropion
When an entropion is the result of tissue aging, it can be remedied by correcting the lower eyelid (tightening it at the bottom). This procedure takes place under local anesthesia and takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The stitches can be removed after 5 days. In more than 90% of cases, the treatment has a positive effect.
During the first week after the procedure, discharge/wound fluid usually comes out of the eye. It’s nothing to worry about. You can gently dab with lukewarm water to remove discharge and crusts. The outer corner of the eye often remains sensitive in the first weeks after the procedure. This will gradually decrease.
Ptosis
In some cases, the upper eyelid of one or both eyes hangs down, more or less, over the pupil opening. This is because the muscle that controls the position of the upper eyelid has become somewhat weakened or paralyzed. Such a low position of the eyelid is called ptosis and can be (cosmetically) very disturbing. If ptosis is present at birth, it is important to have the eye assessed by the ophthalmologist within 6 months. If the eyelid covers the pupil, this can cause a lazy (amblyopic) eye. To prevent this, the operation must be performed at a young age. In children, these operations are performed under general anesthesia.
If the pupil is not covered by the eyelid, surgery can be performed at a later age. In this case, we can perform an eyelid operation on the affected eye, the procedure being the same as a (cosmetic) upper eyelid correction, in which the affected weakened eye muscle (musculus levator palpebrae superior) is also shortened somewhat. This will, as it were, “lift” the eyelid again.
The ophthalmologist uses a local anesthetic for adults. For the procedure, see also eyelid correction treatment above. (link). and fixes the muscle through a small incision in the upper eyelid.
In some cases, the desired result may not be achieved in one go and a repeat operation may therefore be necessary.
After the operation, the cornea may sometimes dry out because the eye does not close properly. This can cause pain or a sandy feeling and can be treated with artificial tears. It often happens that the eye can turn blue, but fortunately it heals quickly.
