Can a Plastic Surgeon Lift Your Lower Eye Lid Up to Hide the White Under Your Iris?

Question

My left eye looks horrible. You can clearly see the white part of my eye underneath my iris. I want it to be even with my right eye (The normal eye.)

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Without a picture and a better history it's impossible to give specific recommendations. In general, scleral show created by the lid malposition can be corrected by lower eyelid surgery. A full workup of the orbit would be indicated prior to proceeding.

David R. Stephens, MD · Answer

Hi Hoping, I agree with the discussions below. It doesn't sound like you have had eyelid surgery so it is likely that you have scleral show. I would ask if there has always been a difference between both eyes or if this is something that has come up recently? There may also be some issues in the face below the orbits, (the area that includes the eye/globe and the bony and soft tissue structures that surround this. I would see an experienced plastic or fellowship trained oculo-plastic surgeon for an evaluation. It is important to diagnose the cause of your problem to prescribe the proper treatment. You may need further medical workup. It is impossible to recommend anything without an evaluation.

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

As with any condition, diagnosing the cause must come first. If someone has had previous surgery that may be the cause and lifting the eyelid might be the solution. If one eyelid has increased scleral show (the white part) and never had surgery, other causes must be considered such as thyroid disease, tumor, facial paralysis etc. A consultation with an ophthalmologist and preferably an occuloplastic surgeon is a good idea. Once the cause has been considered appropriate intervention can be pursued.

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

The exposure of white sclera under your iris is usually a result of lid laxity or a late effect of a previous blepharoplasty. This can sometimes be a transient phenomenon after blepharoplasty due to swelling of the lid tissues. The good news is that it is correctable. Seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon for recommendations.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You are describing scleral show. It could be due to a variety of factors including lower eyelid retraction, lower eyelid ectropion, bulgy eyes, genetics etc. See an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Canthopexy is the medical word for lifting or fixing the side portion of your eyelids where both eyelids meet. The lower eyelid can be pulled up vertically by shortening the lower lid and pulling it tight. This will certainly help to cover the white part of the eye that you can see (sclera)      Dr. J
	Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Ectropion is a pathological condition where the lower eyelid does not sit against the eye surface. Scleral show is not necessarily a pathological condition. I would recommend that you see an oculoplastic surgeon to assess your situation. These are individual who are board certified ophthalmologist extensively fellowship trained in eyelid plastic surgery and they do know the difference between inferior scleral show and ectropion. The American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) maintains an international directory that will help you find a well qualified surgeon in your area.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have ectropion with scleral show (basically a droopy lower eyelid). The cause of this is unknown based on your story. However, this can easily be corrected with a canthopexy or canthoplasty (eyelid lift in the corner of the eye).

Can a Plastic Surgeon Lift Your Lower Eye Lid Up to Hide the White Under Your Iris?

Answers (8)

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