Oculoplastics Surgery in the Central Valley

Ptosis is a condition that causes the upper eyelid to droop over the eye. It can be mild, or severe enough to block vision completely.

Children born with ptosis have what is called congenital ptosis. The eyelid droop is caused by a weakened levator muscle, which is used to lift the eyelids. Because the eyelid blocks vision, congenital ptosis can cause problems later in life, such as amblyopia.

If the levator muscle stretches or separates from the eyelid, ptosis can develop later in life. Typically this may occur due to aging or as a result of an injury. Ptosis can also occur as a side effect of eye surgery.

Ptosis surgery can be performed in both children and adults. 

If the eyelids turn outward or inward, oculoplastic surgery can be performed to correct them.

Entropion is an inward-turned eyelid. The eyelashes continually rub against the cornea, causing irritation and discomfort. Treating entropion involves surgically tightening the eyelid or placing sutures to turn the eyelids out.

Ectropion is an outward turned or sagging eyelid. This condition can cause the eyes to be overly exposed, creating dry eye symptoms and irritation. Ectropion is usually caused by aging but can occur due to injury.

Depending on the cause, the treatment for an ectropion eyelid is to shorten and tighten the lower lid surgically.

Commonly known as “baggy eyes” or redundant skin, Dermatochalasis can be treated with blepharoplasty.

If you experience chronic tearing due to blocked tear ducts, an outpatient surgery involving the nose can be performed under local or general anesthesia. We will thoroughly examine your eyes and eyelids to determine the cause of the blockage, and then perform a procedure (dacryocystorhinostomy)to open the nasolacrimal passageways.

Other conditions oculoplastic procedures can treat are:

• Skin cancers or growth removal
• Weakness of the eyelids
• Orbital fractures or ocular trauma
• Congenital abnormalities of the eyes, eyelids, or orbital bones
• Cosmetic treatments such as facelifts, neck lifts, and nose surgery (rhinoplasty)

If you have questions about the types of procedures we perform and how we can help, please give us a call.