The physicians at EyeHealth Northwest are trained to detect and treat these conditions. In addition, a fellowship trained Oculoplastics specialist Dr. Prashanth Vallabhanath is available for treatment, consultation and second opinion.

Oculoplasty is the medical specialty of reconstructive surgery of the eye and surrounding area.

Oculoplastics describes treatment and surgery for the structures around the eye such as the eyelids & eyebrows.

Changes that occur in these structures can range from cosmetic rejuvenation, an elective surgery for personal enhancement, to life threatening, whereby vision health is affected by deteriorating structures around the eye.

Blepharoplasty

Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes. Eyelid surgery can improve not only your appearance, but also your field of vision, whereby droopy eyelids impair or block vision.

Ptosis – Dermatochalasis: upper and lower eyelid surgery

The most common eyelid conditions such as baggy skin (dermatochalasis) or droopy lids (ptosis) are age related. They are caused by gravity and stretching of the tissues in the lids-this can sometimes be enough to block the vision. Dermatochalasis and ptosis can often be repaired with an outpatient surgical procedure. If the vision is significantly affected by the lids, insurance may cover the procedure.

Following a comprehensive exam and surgery consultation, patients will plan their surgery with a surgery coordinator. In preparation for surgery, a local anesthetic may be used along with a mild sedative to relax. During the procedure, fatty tissue, loose & excess skin are removed and reconstructed. Recovery from blepharoplasty typically includes bruising and swelling generally noticeable for a week to a month after surgery. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild.

Entropion

Ectropion	Entropion

The eyelids may also either turn out (ectropion) or roll inward (entropion). Ectropion often results in tearing and redness of the eyes. It is also caused by looseness of the lid structures caused by aging. Sometimes sun-damage to the skin can contribute to this problem.

Entropion

Entropion has similar causes, but in this case, the lids roll inward and cause eye pain and irritation from the lashes rubbing against the eye. Both of these are corrected with an out-patient surgical procedure which is usually covered by insurance.

Although tearing can be caused by lid malpositions, it is sometimes caused by a block in the tear drainage system. This usually causes fairly constant tearing without eye irritation. Sometimes a simple procedure can be used to open and dilate the drainage duct. Often, if the blockage is severe, a surgery is required to by-pass the tear drainage duct blockage.

Eyelid tumors

As the population ages, eyelid tumors are becoming more and more common. The most common lid tumor is also one of the most common skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma. Your ophthalmologist will check your lids during your exam for lid tumors. Often, the tumor can be surgical removed and the lid reconstructed with minimal scarring. Larger tumors will need more involved reconstruction.

Protecting your eyes and skin from sun damage is the best way to prevent these problems.

Hypotrichosis describes the condition of having thin, light, inadequate eyelashes.

Prescription LATISSE is a treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker.