Eyelid Malposition

There are many eyelid problems that can be present at birth or that can result from injuries or aging. Examples include:

• Ptosis - the drooping of the upper lid which can be in-born (congenital) or acquired, due to infection, nerve weakness, trauma, or aging.
• Entropion - the turning in of the lower lid
  
• Ectropion - the turning out of the lower lid Both entropion and ectropion can be caused by infections, trauma, burns, and the loosening of the lids due to aging.
  
• Dermatochalasia (excessive eyelid skin) - results primarily from the natural aging process. Through the passage of time, the skin looses its elasticity and firmness allowing the natural forces of gravity to pull it downward. This leads to the drooping of the upper lid skin, which may hang over the eyelashes and obstruct vision. Even if the eye is normal, the patient may complain of vision that is dim or that something is obstructing his/her vision.

All these eyelid malpositions are normally treated by an Oculoplastic surgeon, who performs surgical procedures to reposition specific muscles and tissues in order to restore proper positioning and appearance of the eyelids in relation to the eyeball.