Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery & Trauma
Kresge Eye Institute ophthalmic plastic surgeons can diagnose and treat medical conditions that involve the eyelids, eye socket, tearing system, and facial areas around the eyes. Many such conditions may impair vision or affect the function of the eye. We can help with problems such as eye socket and eyelid tumors, thyroid eye disease, tearing, drooping eyelids or brows, eyelids that are turned in or out and cosmetic issues. Our ophthalmic plastic surgeons also provide treatment for frown lines around the eyes and forehead, “smile lines” and other facial wrinkles and sparse eyelashes using BOTOX®, fillers such as Juvéderm®, and Latisse®.
Eyelid and Orbital Tumors
Tumors of the eyelids may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common types of eyelid cancers are:
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Basal cell carcinoma
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Squamous cell carcinoma
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Sebaceous carcinoma
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Melanoma
Tumors known as Orbital Tumors may also occur in the eye socket, behind or around the eye. Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons are qualified to diagnose and treat most types of eyelid and orbital tumors, including complex surgical reconstruction of the eyelids and reconstruction of eyelids after dermatologic procedures such as Mohs’ micrographic surgery.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease is a potential problem in patients with Graves’ disease. Symptoms include inflammation and swelling of the tissues surrounding the eyeball(s), protrusion of the eyes, retraction (stare) of the eyelids, double vision, and in severe cases, vision loss. Women are more likely than men to have thyroid eye disease, although men tend to have a more severe version of the disease. Cigarette smoking has been shown to make thyroid eye disease worse.
Tearing Eye Problems
Tearing problems can involve one or both eyes. This can be due to problems with the tear drainage system (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) or with tear production (allergy, reflex tearing from dry eye, and others). One can be born with a tearing problem, or it may develop as an adult.
Eyelid Malpositions
Blepharoptosis (or Ptosis) is a drooping of the upper eyelid that can affect an individual’s line of sight. Common causes include age, detachment or stretching of the eyelid muscle (levator muscle) nerve damage, and trauma. This condition can occur in children and adults and is treated with surgical lift of the eyelid.
Dermatochalasis is excessive skin in the eyelid, and may involve upper or lower eyelids. When excessive in the upper lids, it may affect an individual’s line of sight.
Ectropion is the outward turning of an eyelid, usually the lower lid. The out-turning of the eyelid exposes part of the inner lid and the eye to the air causing dry eyes, blurred vision, tired burning eyes, red eyes and eyelids and sometimes tearing.
Entropion is the inward turning of the eyelid, usually the lower lid, resulting in eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye’s surface. Irritation, pain and damage to the surface of the eye may occur. Left untreated, permanent scarring and loss of vision is possible.
Eyelid retraction may be caused by several conditions including Graves’ disease, scar tissue and previous surgery. This condition shortens the eyelids vertically, exposes the eye to the air thereby causing decreased vision and irritation.
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