Oculoplastic Surgery

If sagging skin is impairing your vision, or you simply do not like the bags under your eyes or your droopy eyelids, you can benefit from upper eyelid surgery. It is a procedure performed to remove excess skin and fatty deposits from the upper eyelid. The ophthalmologist at Kloof Eye will make incisions that are hidden in the natural crease of your upper eyelid to allow for the removal of skin and fat.

Your ophthalmologist will then use a thin stitch to bring the skin together. This is to allow for the creation of an eyelid crease. Scars on the eyelid are virtually unnoticeable. For the best results, the surgery can be performed under general anaesthetic but typically a local one is used.

This procedure involves removing skin and fatty deposits from the lower eyelid. Skin incisions are made on the inside of the eyelid to hide the scar or directly below the lash line. Lower eyelid surgery allows your ophthalmic surgeon to transfer fat to the hollowed areas under your eye. This creates a smoother appearance and a firmer more youthful look.

An incision on the inside of the eyelid is called a transconjunctival approach. It allows your surgeon access to the eyelid fat without visible incisions. There is minimal to no scarring when the transconjunctival approach is used. This procedure alleviates the appearance of bags and sagging.

People who undergo eyelid surgery can enjoy some great benefits. As with all surgeries however, there are risks, complications and side effects that one needs to consider before undergoing the procedure. After your eyelid surgery at Kloof Eye, you may experience none, some, or all of these common side effects.Side effects

• Pain
• Bruising and swelling
• General discomfort

Risks and Complications

All surgeries come with risks and complications and the same applies to eyelid surgery. Complications that could result from your surgery can include some of the following:

• Scarring
• Excessive tearing
• Retinal detachment
• Hematoma or bad bruising
• Infection
• Double or blurry vision
• An adverse reaction to anaesthesia
• Burning and/or dryness of the eyes

Eyelid surgery is a minimally invasive procedure but there can be some pain during your post-op recovery phase. After your surgery, your eyelids will feel sore and tight. This is while the anaesthesia is wearing off.

Swelling is likely to occur around the areas where the incisions were made. It is best to avoid excessive blinking if possible. Also avoid activities, especially strenuous ones that increase blood flow to your eye. This can help reduce or prevent extreme and excessive swelling. Recovery from eyelid surgery can take anything from 1- 4 weeks.

Your tear ducts normally drain the tears from the surface of your eyes. When the tear duct in the eye is blocked, tears flow over the eyelids because there is no drainage taking place. This condition is often relieved by a simple procedure in the rooms. In some cases, surgery might be necessary.Tear duct surgery involves the exploration and reconstruction of the area that is causing the closure or obstruction. In other words, it is a surgery performed to create a path for your tears to drain between your nose and your eyes. Tear duct surgery or dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) can be performed externally through an incision in the skin. It can also be done through the nose without leaving an incision on the skin.

Blocked tear duct symptoms

If you are experiencing any or all of the following symptoms, you could have a blocked tear duct.

• A discharge from the eye or eyes
• Tearing
• Pain at the tear duct or the areas surrounding it

Blocked tear duct causes

A tear duct blockage can be caused by health problems such as the following:

• Conjunctivitis or pink eye
• Anatomical problems from birth
• Trauma to your nose
• Chronic sinus and nasal inflammation
• Obstruction from a tumour

At Kloof Eye, we focus strongly on providing all our patients with the very best in diagnosis and eye treatment. Our commitment is to provide accurate and honest information about the health of your eyes. This way, all our patients are able to make informed health care decisions.

The ophthalmologists at Kloof Eye provide oculoplastic surgery services to patients in Pretoria. For comprehensive solutions that meet all of your eye health care needs, get in touch with us today. We look forward to being part of your journey towards healthy and clear vision.