Droopy Eyelids and Eyebags

Have your eyelids changed, are they drooping or looking and feeling heavy and tired? Do you dislike the appearance of your eyelids?

Drooping or sagging of the eyelids, a heavy feel and a tired look, eyebags?  Maybe watering or irritation of the eye?  Do you need to lift the lid with your finger to stop part of your vision being blocked out? 

These are common problems, especially as we get a bit older, and the changes can affect the eye and even your vision.

What types of problems does this cause?

Ectropion

Ectropion is common condition where the lower eyelid sags and falls away from the eyeball. So instead of gently pressing against the eye and cleaning it like a windscreen wiper the eyelid turns outwards and allows tears to pool against the eye. And because these tears – which are vital in keeping your eyes healthy – collect and don’t drain in the normal way down the tear duct they spill over the lid and down the face, so causing running eyes and blurred vision. This leads to crusting of the eyelids and irritation of the eye and skin. And of course the cosmetic appearance is not good either – we all want to look our best.

If untreated ectropion can cause serious problems such as damage to the front of the eye (the cornea) because the eye may not close properly and can dry out.  Ulcers on the cornea or infections can even permanently damage your eyesight.

Entropion

Entropion is when the eyelid rolls inwards.  The eyelashes rub against the front of the eye causing soreness, watering, and irritation.  If untreated the constant rubbing ot the eyelashes on the cornea can cause damage and can even lead to permanent damage to your vision.

Ptosis

Drooping of the top eyelids is called ptosis.  The eyelid starts to come down towards the pupil and can even cover it.  Ptosis usually occurs because the muscle that lifts the eyelid stretches, though there are a number of other more serious causes that need to be checked.  The drooping of the lid gives a tired look, often feels heavy and can block off the upper part of your vision. 

Baggy Eyelid Skin / Eyebags

Ageing and stretching of the top eyelid skin and bulging forward of the fatty tissue behind the lids, causes droopy skin, a heavy sensation, and a tired look and can sometimes block off the upper part of the vision.  In the lower eyelids drooping skin and fatty tissue bulges cause eyebags and a tired look.  These changes may make you unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of your eyes – you may notice it in the mirror or in a photograph of yourself. Often it is other people that notice the cosmetic appearance. Even then, friends and family are often reluctant to say something for fear of embarrassing you.

What can be done about these problems? Will I need an operation?

When you telephone my secretary she will arrange a private consultation with me personally at a date and time convenient for you – usually within a few days of your call.

I will see you personally where we will go through your symptoms before I fully examine your eyes using state-of-the art equipment.

Understandably you would want to avoid an operation if at all possible but occasionally surgery is the best or only treatment recommended. You can be assured that I will perform a thorough assessment of your eyes and general health and recommend a treatment tailored to your specific needs.

You will be given a diagnosis that day and I will explain all the treatment options for your condition. And if you need an operation we will make the arrangements once again for a day that suits you.
Surgery is usually the best treatment for ectropion, entropion, ptosis and baggy eyelid skin.  But the good news is that the operations have a very high success rate and usually only require a local anaesthetic – so you don’t even need to be put to sleep to have it done.

Suppose I need an operation? What then?

During the procedure I gently tighten the eyelid tissues to bring the eyelid back into its normal position.  The operation does not take long and you can go home the very same day. 
Simply put, in the hands of an expert surgeon the treatment is more successful and safer than ever before.

What can I expect after surgery?

After your operation you will be given antibiotic eye drops to use in the day and eye ointment to apply at night.

You will have an eye pad to wear for the first night too to help protect the eye and keep you comfortable. This can come off the following morning.

The eyelids are generally swollen and bruised and a little sore after surgery but this quickly settles and can be helped by ice packs and simple painkillers like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

A week off work is a good idea whilst things settle down, and you should also avoid swimming and heavy exercise for the first 2-3 weeks.

What sort of follow-up will I need after surgery?

I always arrange to see you after surgery to see how you are getting on, with further follow- ups arranged if needed.

I am of course always available between appointments – if you have any concerns simply contact my secretary and I will try to call you right back – and if necessary see you again quickly.

I always see private patients personally and at your convenience – usually within the week.

I have undertaken specialist oculoplastic eye surgery training in Nottingham and Moorfields Eye Hosiptal, London. I am also a founder member of the British Oculoplastic Surgeons Society – in other words I not only treat patients, I am involved in training eye surgeons of the future.

My research interests span many years and I regularly present studies at national and international meetings on eye conditions.

Thank you so much for all your time and care with my eyelid surgery. You have taken so much time and effort and pride in your work I would have no doubt in recommending your work to anyone.

Thank-you for the fantastic job you have done on my forehead and for going through all the details before the operation.

Just to say a big thank-you to you especially for surgery that you did on my eyes. Even though the stitches are still in I’ve noticed the huge difference. My eyes doesn’t feel so heavy. I can feel a great difference in them. Thank-you.

Thank-you so much for the superb work you did on my eyelid. It has healed beautifully and I’m absolutely thrilled. Thanks to you and your staff..