Lid Disorder Archives - Dr Mark Harrison https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/pj-categs/lid-disorder/ Ophthalmologist-Eye Surgeon in Pietermaritzburg since 2004 Fri, 29 Sep 2017 09:55:14 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/cropped-favicon-mark-harrison-32x32.png Lid Disorder Archives - Dr Mark Harrison https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/pj-categs/lid-disorder/ 32 32 Ptosis https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/project/ptosis/ Thu, 28 Sep 2017 09:49:07 +0000 https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/?post_type=project&p=13760 “Ptosis” is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. Eyelid drooping can sometimes affect vision if it’s severe. Ptosis isn’t a disease, but a symptom of a condition that you should seek treatment for. It may occur for several reasons such as: disease, injury, birth defect, previous eye surgery and age. A number of...

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]]> “Ptosis” is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. Eyelid drooping can sometimes affect vision if it’s severe. Ptosis isn’t a disease, but a symptom of a condition that you should seek treatment for.

It may occur for several reasons such as: disease, injury, birth defect, previous eye surgery and age. A number of factors that affect the muscles, nerves, or skin of the eyelids can cause ptosis. The muscles that allow your eyelids to move up and down – known as the levator muscles – can weaken from age or injury.

In addition, some people may be born with eye muscles that are weaker than normal, causing them to develop ptosis at a young age.

Other causes:

Other contributing factors that may also increase your risk of ptosis include:

  • Cluster headaches (severe headaches that strike frequently during “cluster periods” and then go into remission)
  • Some chronic conditions, including diabetes and myasthenia gravis
  • Nerve damage

An ophthalmologist who specialises in oculoplastic surgery is best placed to perform the corrective surgery.

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]]> Entropian / Ectropian https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/project/entropian-ectropian/ Thu, 28 Sep 2017 09:48:01 +0000 https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/?post_type=project&p=13757 Entropion refers to a condition in which the eyelid turns inwards, which means the eyelashes turn upwards and rub against the eye, causing redness, irritation, and abrasions on the cornea. Without treatment, this continuous abrasion can cause eye infections and scarring of the eyeball. Ectropion, on the other hand, involves the lower eyelid rolling outwards...

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]]> Entropion refers to a condition in which the eyelid turns inwards, which means the eyelashes turn upwards and rub against the eye, causing redness, irritation, and abrasions on the cornea. Without treatment, this continuous abrasion can cause eye infections and scarring of the eyeball.

Ectropion, on the other hand, involves the lower eyelid rolling outwards and downwards. A common condition among the elderly, patients with ectropion have sagging lower eyelids that leave the eyeball dry and exposed.

Caused by a lack of tone of the delicate muscles that hold the lid taut against the eye, it can be corrected by eyelid surgery performed by an ophthalmologist.

The condition can occur in one or both eyes, but treatment involves a relatively simple surgical operation.

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]]> Blepharitis https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/project/blepharitis/ Thu, 28 Sep 2017 09:46:30 +0000 https://www.eyedoctorpmb.co.za/?post_type=project&p=13754 This inflammation of the eyelids is the most common cause of dry eyes. It can result from An excess growth of bacteria that’s normally found on your skin A blocked oil gland on your eyelid A hormone imbalance Allergies It makes your eyelids red, itchy, and a little swollen. The bases of your eyelashes may...

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]]> This inflammation of the eyelids is the most common cause of dry eyes. It can result from

  • An excess growth of bacteria that’s normally found on your skin
  • A blocked oil gland on your eyelid
  • A hormone imbalance
  • Allergies

It makes your eyelids red, itchy, and a little swollen. The bases of your eyelashes may also look scaly. You may also notice:

  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Red and swollen eyes or eyelids
  • A burning feeling in the eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Crusty eyelashes
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry eyes

Your ophthalmologist can explain the treatment to you and may also need to prescribe drops or ointments if severe.

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