Eyelid malpositions

What is eyelid malposition?

Eyelid malposition occurs when the lids become abnormally positioned due to whole host of causes. This group of disorders can often result in visual disturbance and discomfort which may become irreparable.
Certain elements of these conditions can lead to changes of appearance and aesthetic concerns.

 

What are the most common types of eyelid malposition?

The most common types include:

Entropion – the eyelid and eyelashes turns inwards. Ectropion – where the eyelid turns outwards. Ptosis – where the upper eyelid droops down. Dermatochalasis – where excess skin causes sagginess around the eye Eyelid retraction – where the upper eyelid is abnormally high or the lower eyelid is abnormally low.

 

What causes eyelid malposition?

The main cause of eyelid malposition is involutional ageing of the tissues surrounding the eyes. It can also occur as a result of paralysis of the facial nerve, tumours, trauma, scarring and previous surgery.

 

What are the symptoms of eyelid malposition?

Ptosis can cause a reduction in peripheral vison and the visual field, whilst ectropion can cause a poor distribution of tears over the cornea and excessive watering. Entropion can create a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, tearing, irritation, and reddening of the eyelid.

 

How is eyelid malposition treated?

Eyelid malposition requires surgery to reposition or reconstruct the eyelid. 
These procedures are specialist in nature and invariably fall under the auspices of the oculoplastic surgeon.