Open your eyes: why you should choose an eyelid specialist

Eyelids are very delicate and complex, requiring a specialist with a special set of skills. Highly-experienced consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Miss Vickie Lee describes what we need to know about eyelid surgery and why a specialist is important.

What is an ophthalmic or oculoplastic surgeon? 

Ophthalmic or oculoplastic surgeons are specialists known as ophthalmologists who also have an expertise dealing with eyelids. Before this, they have many years of training as an eye surgeon. Following this, advanced training is required to specialise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for the complex, delicate anatomy and function of the eyelids and surrounding structures. The tear duct system and the bony cavity around the eye (the orbit) are also included.

Can other surgeons do eyelid surgery?

Plastic surgeons, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeons, and maxillofacial surgeons are some of the various surgeons that may perform cosmetic eyelid surgery. However, none have undergone as many years of ophthalmic training as oculoplastic surgeons to be able to manage any and all the complications that involve the eye itself.

Another benefit of an oculoplastic surgeon is their goal to attain the correct balance between aesthetics and conserving the vision and comfort of eyes.

What can go wrong with eyelid surgery?

As mentioned, the anatomy of the eyelids is complex and delicate, with the eyelid skin being the thinnest in the body. Opening and closing of the eyelid muscles are to support clear vision, maintain ocular comfort, and provide protection. In conjunction with the functional purpose, eyelids are integral to facial expressions.

The smallest of complications from eyelid surgery can result in:

• blurred vision
• watery or dry gritty eyes
• incomplete eyelid closure
• corneal abrasions (scratches to the surface of the eyes)
• bruising or bleeding behind the eye
• wound infection
• sunken appearance if too much tissue has been removed
• asymmetry
• scarring

Vision may also be affected by many of these. Avoiding these complications and treating them appropriately if they occur is an oculoplastic surgeon’s main priority.

What types of surgery can an oculoplastic surgeon perform?

A thorough assessment of what can be accomplished and managing a patient's expectations are important parts of an oculoplastic surgeon's function. An oculoplastic surgeon can:

• recontour and lift the eyelids (ptosis correction and blepharoplasty)
• correct malpositioned eyelids (in ectropion/entropion)
• remove benign or malignant eyelid lesions
• assess and treat watering or irritable eyes
• deal with effects of thyroid eye disease

If the eye has been lost, an oculoplastic surgeon can improve the image of the eye socket and make the artificial eye look more natural.

If you have noticed any conditions mentioned in this article, you can arrange a consultation with Miss Vickie Lee via her Top Doctors profile.