Is the eye kept open for Mohs Surgery on lower eyelid?

Question

Hello, I have an appointment for Mohs Surgery on a bcc which is on my left lower eyelid and very close to my lashes and the inside corner of my eye. I know its done under local anaesthetic, but I would like to know how the eye is kept open and if I will be able to see what they are doing? Am very anxious. ty

Jerome Potozkin, MD · Answer

Mohs Surgery is commonly performed on the eyelid.  If you are anxious let the surgeon know and ask for some medicine such as Ativan or Valium which can take the edge off for you.  Sometimes an eyeshield is placed to cover and protect the eye when a tumor is very close to the eye.  The great advantage of Mohs Surgery is the high cure rate and tissue sparing nature of the procedure.

Adam J. Mamelak, MD · Answer

The eyelids are a very common location to develop skin cancer, and a common area to perform Mohs surgery. Because the Mohs technique removes skin cancer while sparing healthy tissue, the surgery is ideal for tumors that occur in cosmetic and functionally important areas such as the eyelid, ear, nose and lips. It is understandable to be nervous about a surgery in such a sensitive area. A number of techniques can be used to protect the eye when performing surgery in this location. Often, a temporary eye shield can be used to cover the eye, almost like a contact lens during the surgery. This helps prevent any damage to eye from the sharp instruments used during the surgery. The eye shields are typically opaque, so you can't see through them.

Shepherd G. Pryor, MD · Answer

Typically most surgeons will place a drop of Tetracaine in the affected/planned procedure eye prior to beginning surgery.  This is a topical anesthetic that will completely numb the eye.  Then a small delicate shield can be placed comfortably in the eye so that you can effectively ignore the actual technical aspect of the procedure.  If they provide you a small dose of Valium this will also relax you during the procedure and make the process very reasonable.

Andrew Kaufman, MD · Answer

You should ask your surgeon how he or she will be protecting the eye and performing the procedure. If the tumor is very close to the margin of the eyelid, frequently I will use an eye shield, an opaque shield that is placed on the eye like a contact lens. This protects the eye while surgery is being performed. It is easily inserted and removed. The best that you can do is talk to the surgeon performing the Mohs surgery. Explain your anxiety and ask your questions. Don't feel embarassed to call before your surgery and ask questions that you forgot or that came up since your consultation.  My personal preference is that your Mohs surgeon be a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery, which confirms that they've completed a 1-2 year fellowship in Mohs surgery and reconstruction.

Is the eye kept open for Mohs Surgery on lower eyelid?

Answers (4)

Answer: Mohs Surgery around the Eyes

Answer: Mohs Surgery around the Eyes

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Is the eye kept open for Mohs Surgery on lower eyelid?

Answers (4)

Answer: Mohs Surgery around the Eyes

Answer: Mohs Surgery around the Eyes

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.