Facial skin aging and multiple medical conditions can affect a patient’s vision and other practical abilities, creating the need for corrective functional procedures in Detroit. At Michigan Oculofacial Specialists, board-certified ophthalmologists Dr. Lawrence Handler and Dr. Zachary Pearce are highly qualified and experienced in this delicate science.
Common Functional Conditions and Their Treatments
Oculofacial procedures can have multiple cosmetic benefits, but eye and upper face functionality issues can significantly impact a person’s daily life. Diagnosis will be necessary for every patient, but here is a brief description of some of the most common functional conditions and their respective treatment options:
Congenital Disorders
Eye conditions caused by genetics or childbirth itself can include droopy, deformed, or torn eyelids and orbital disorders. Corrective surgery is often the best course of action.
Droopy Upper Eyelids
Known as ptosis, the condition of a drooping upper eyelid can be caused by genetics. However, many patients will be born with fully functional upper eyelids, only for them to eventually sag over time as the skin loses its elasticity from the aging process.
While frequently an aesthetic concern, patients might also struggle with peripheral vision loss. The upper blepharoplasty surgical procedure is used to remove this excess skin, improving the field of vision.
Eyelid and Facial Spasms
Eyelid spasms can happen occasionally but usually go away on their own. During the blepharospasm condition, abnormal spasms can lead to eye irritation and loss of consistently clear vision due to the increased blink rate. For some patients, the spasms are experienced in both eyes or even the side of the face. Botox® is typically used to temporarily inhibit these muscles’ ability to contract, causing the spasms to diminish.
Eyelid Lesions
Lesions are lumps and bumps found on or around the eyelids, eyebrows, or elsewhere on the face. Your doctor may need to perform an examination and order testing to determine if the lesion is cancerous. In most cases, it only needs to be observed or can be quickly removed without general anesthesia or sutures.
Eyelid Malpositions
As the name suggests, an eyelid malposition is when an eyelid is out of its standard positioning, either turned out (ectropion) or turned in (entropion). It is usually treated with reconstructive surgery.
Ingrown Eyelashes
A condition known as trichiasis, an ingrown eyelash occurs either due to an eyelid malposition or because the lash is growing in the wrong direction. Treating the malposition should correct this concern. Alternatively, the ingrown eyelash itself is removed.
Orbital Tumors
An abnormality in the bony eye socket is called an orbital tumor (which is not necessarily cancerous). If the tumor is causing pain, vision problems, or is malignant, it could be removed or treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Treatment for orbital tumors is very patient-specific and needs to be discussed with your doctor.
Thyroid-Related Eye Problems
Patients with thyroid conditions can sometimes experience eyelid swelling and eye bulging. Once the thyroid condition itself is under medical treatment, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery to treat the eye problem.
Tearing Problems
Excess tearing in one or both eyes could indicate an issue with the eyelids or the tear duct drainage system. Treatments include clearing a tear duct blockage, eyelid malposition correction, or medication.
Your Consultation
For proper diagnosis, you’ll need to come in for a consultation with Dr. Handler or Dr. Pearce. This will involve an examination of your symptoms and medical history, as well as an honest conversation where you can ask any questions you may have. If needed, additional testing or a biopsy may be ordered. Your provider can then develop a treatment plan tailored to your functional and aesthetic needs.
Contact the Michigan Oculofacial Specialists
Our functional procedures in Detroit have helped countless patients get back to enjoying their daily lives. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.