Alterations within the Position of the Eyelids

There are various kinds of eyelid misalignment. Almost all of them are a consequence of aging and require surgical operation.

Incorrect position of the eyelids is the name given changes in the proper position of the eyelidseach upper and lower. These abnormal positions will be as a result of a wide range of reasons, though essentially the most common is skin laxity followed by old age.

It often predominates within the elderly. In this age group prevalence ranges from 10% to 17%.

They affect the harmonization of the face and in some cases cause vision problems. The symptoms of this eyelid repositioning rely on each type and five variants have been described:

1. ectropion
2. entropion
3. Swelling of the eyelids
4. Dermatochalasis
5. Eyelid retraction

The correct position of the eyelids

The eyelids protect the eyeball. They are accountable for flashing lubrication.

Tears are produced within the lacrimal glands situated above the inner canthus of the attention. This liquid moisturizes, cleans and protects the eyes.

Under normal conditions, the lower eyelid has a free edge that rests on the surface of the eyeball along its entire length. This allows for correct contact with the tear sac and ensures that the eyelashes can point forward without hitting the eyeball.

The free fringe of the lower eyelid is held to the center third of the eyeball, without exposing the sclera or covering the cornea (this is simply between the border of the cornea and the sclera). In turn, the free fringe of the upper eyelid covers two millimeters of the cornea.

1. Ectropion

In this state, the free fringe of the lower eyelid is directed outward, often exposing the skin and mucous membrane of the eyelids. Mucosal exposure may cause eye irritation and keratosis.

Conjunctival redness, foreign body sensation, excessive tearing (epiphora) appear and predispose to infection on the surface of the attention. Its most important cause is the lack of tissue elasticity (skin laxity) attributable to aging.

It can even come from facial nerve palsy, scars from injuries or previous surgeries. It is usually a consequence of using artificial tears in glaucoma, overexposure to the sun and eye tumors.

Initial treatment involves using artificial tears, but the ultimate correction is surgical.

2. Entropy

In these incorrect eyelid positions, the free fringe of the lower eyelid turns inward. In this manner, the skin of the eyelids and eyelashes are in direct contact with the cornea and might only return to their original position when the attention is tightly closed. Eyelash contact with the cornea may occur intraocular infections to corneal abrasions or ulcers.

Its causes are various and include:

• Skin diseases resulting in laxity
• Skin weakness as a result of age
• An injury that caused scarring
• Facial nerve paralysis
• Weak muscles
• Corneal defects
• Previous operation
• Eye infection

Symptoms are much like ectropion (tearing, blurred vision, eye redness, foreign body sensation), however it is related to a greater degree of visual field reduction and is more aggressive since it is in direct contact with the cornea. It is treated surgically.

In some cases, it may be relieved with special eye drops. Botox injections are also used.

3. Drooping eyelid

ptosis refers back to the lowering or drooping of the upper eyelid below its normal position. It is defined by an asymmetry of greater than 2 millimeters between the holes of each eyes or a descent of greater than 2 millimeters of the upper eyelid above the eyeball.

From a clinical perspective, in this sort of eyelid defect, the most important symptom is the shortcoming to take care of the right opening of the attention. Consequently, this also affects the field of regard.

Its origin will be congenital or acquired. In the primary case, we’re talking about flaccid eyelid syndrome. Acquired may end up from skin laxity, eyelid edema, orbital tumors, or eye musculature problems akin to myasthenia gravis hard or spontaneous blepharospasm.

Treatment is exclusively surgical and requires intervention within the muscles of the eyeball.

4. Dermatochalasis

Among the assorted problems affecting the position of the eyelids, we have now dermatochalasis. It is the surplus and flaccidity of the skin of the eyelids, mainly the upper eyelid, with the buildup of wrinkles and fat bags.

It is manifested by a bulging upper eyelid or the presence of many small bags within the lower eyelid. There could also be changes within the field of regard as a result of obstruction.

Most of the patients are older (over 60 years of age). However, there can be a genetic component, as is the case with a flaccid eyelid.

His the answer is surgicalby blepharoplasty. Fat bags are excised and excess tissue is removed.

5. Eyelid retraction

This is just abnormally high position of the upper eyelid or low position of the lower eyelid. Thus, the eyeball isn’t properly covered and exposed to external aspects.

Clinical signs will rely on which agent comes into contact with the attention. In addition to an aesthetic change within the harmonization of the face. Recurrent eye infections and blurred vision are common.

Its causes are various and include:

• Cancers (teratoma)
• High degree myopia
• Thyroid disease
• Tissue laxity
• Feeling of the dimensions of the orbital bone

Treatment is exclusively surgical.

Incorrect eyelid alignment and surgery

Because the causes are so diverse and mostly related to aging, eyelid defects can’t be prevented, but they will be treated early. That is why it’s so essential to see an ophthalmologist in case of any suspicious symptoms.

Its diagnosis is straightforward and consists of an ophthalmological examination. His final treatment is surgical.

It is performed by repositioning surgery or anatomical and functional reconstruction of the eyelid. It will be performed externally (through the skin) or internally (through the conjunctiva). This operation doesn’t require hospitalization and causes few complications.

Maybe it is going to interest you…