I have lagophthalmos 6 weeks after upper & lower (transcutaneous) bleph. I’m in contact with my oculoplastic surgeon (she’s been great), but I’d love additional information/opinions as this is very concerning to me. I can fully close my eyes with a firm, voluntary blink. However, my natural, “involuntary” blink is only partial, and I am unable to keep my eyes fully closed during sleep. Questions: Likely causes? Treatments? Likely to recover w/o surgical intervention? What is expected duration?
January 21, 2015
Answer: Lagopthalmous This condition can occur with surgery and can require surgical intervention. However prior to surgical intervention, a number of conservative measures can be tried. First, the eye should be protected from dryness with lubricating and moisturizing drops, next the eye should be protected at night with taping, or a moisture chamber. Early massage can help. One can perform this with an upward motion on the lower lid. Essentially the goal is to stretch and soften the lower lid. The technique entails putting some upward pressure with two or three finger on the skin of the lower lid, below the lashes and holding it upward with gentle pressure for 10 to 15 seconds. Patients can do 10 to 15 reps several times per day. A temporary tarsorraphy can also help patients with this condition, this is a removable suture placed in the corner of the eye to suspend the lower lid and narrow the lid opening. Time may also help, but worsening would indicate that earlier surgical intervention is needed. Typically this condition is more commonly caused by shortening and scarring in the lower lid rather than in the upper. Continue see your surgeon. Your case will need careful, regular follow up to ensure resolution. While your description and photos help, only a physician who can exam you and get a detailed history can make a proper recommendation for your particular case.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 21, 2015
Answer: Lagopthalmous This condition can occur with surgery and can require surgical intervention. However prior to surgical intervention, a number of conservative measures can be tried. First, the eye should be protected from dryness with lubricating and moisturizing drops, next the eye should be protected at night with taping, or a moisture chamber. Early massage can help. One can perform this with an upward motion on the lower lid. Essentially the goal is to stretch and soften the lower lid. The technique entails putting some upward pressure with two or three finger on the skin of the lower lid, below the lashes and holding it upward with gentle pressure for 10 to 15 seconds. Patients can do 10 to 15 reps several times per day. A temporary tarsorraphy can also help patients with this condition, this is a removable suture placed in the corner of the eye to suspend the lower lid and narrow the lid opening. Time may also help, but worsening would indicate that earlier surgical intervention is needed. Typically this condition is more commonly caused by shortening and scarring in the lower lid rather than in the upper. Continue see your surgeon. Your case will need careful, regular follow up to ensure resolution. While your description and photos help, only a physician who can exam you and get a detailed history can make a proper recommendation for your particular case.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: AnonBleph ! Hi Anon ! From my personal point of view, the healing problems, ( lagoftalmos, blink, eyelid retraction etc . ) after surgery of the eyelids, improve in amazing way after a few weeks only with masagge, with your fingertip pull up the corner of your eyelid, without giving pressure on the eyeball, just in the skin. Ask your Doctor if this kind of maneuver can help you, and the proper way to do, in you will see an big improvement after a few weeks, leaves the secondary surgery for the very last option . Get well and good look.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
Answer: AnonBleph ! Hi Anon ! From my personal point of view, the healing problems, ( lagoftalmos, blink, eyelid retraction etc . ) after surgery of the eyelids, improve in amazing way after a few weeks only with masagge, with your fingertip pull up the corner of your eyelid, without giving pressure on the eyeball, just in the skin. Ask your Doctor if this kind of maneuver can help you, and the proper way to do, in you will see an big improvement after a few weeks, leaves the secondary surgery for the very last option . Get well and good look.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful