Page 30 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria July 2014

dermatochalasis
What Causes Droopy Eyelids?
By Dr. Michael Grossman, Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Illinois Retina & Eye Associates of Peoria
Michael Grossman, MD
D
o your eyelids seem to droop or people say you always look
tired? Do your eyes feel heavy and take more effort to keep
open? While droopy eyelids may be caused by a multitude of
eye problems, some of which can be very serious and should be evalu-
ated by an eye doctor, one of the most common causes is a condition
called dermatochalasis.
Dermatochalasis is the medical term describing excess and lax
eyelid skin. Due to this excessive skin and its loss of elasticity, the
eyelid can appear to droop. This is a condition most commonly seen
in elderly people, though it can also present at a much younger age as
well. It affects men and women equally and there can sometimes be a
genetic component.
As we age, the effects of gravity itself can affect the eyelid. The
skin of the upper and sometimes the lower eyelid can lose its elastic
properties and the underlying connective tissues can weaken.
Interesting Facts
Dermatochalasis can be a cosmetic issue but it can also cause
functional vision problems often it can cause both.
Functionally: It can interfere with vision; dermatochalasis most com-
monly obstructs the upper visual field.
Mechanically: The weight of the excess skin literally causes the
eyelid to fall over the eye. As a result, patients may chronically and
unconsciously elevate their brows to improve their field of vision. This
constant use of the forehead muscles may frequently cause frontal
headaches. Eye irritation, dry eyes, and inflammation of the sur-
rounding eyelid skin may also be symptoms. The amount of skin can
become so excessive that the eyelids are pushed inwards turning the
eyelashes onto the surface of the eye.
Cosmetically: Patients may notice a fullness or heaviness of the
upper eyelids, which contribute to an aged appearance. Patients
sometimes say that people always think they look tired, sleepy,
or sad.
While your doctor can prescribe eye drops or eye ointment to
reduce associated infection and dry eye problems, treatment of der-
matochalasis usually involves surgery. Over 200,000 people undergo
blepharoplasty eyelid surgery every year in the United States. Insurance
often pays for the surgery if the eyelid skin blocks more than 2025
percent of the visual field.
The procedure is usually performed in an office or outpatient setting
under local anesthesia and generally takes about thirty to forty minutes.
The excess skin of the eyelid is measured, marked, and excised and
the new lid re-stitched together. Special care is taken not to remove
too much skin, which can make it difficult to close the eye completely
after the eyelids heal.
Following surgery, patients may have some swelling and bruising
but this usually subsides within two weeks. In the majority of cases,
patients see better after the surgery and have the added benefit of a
rejuvenated appearance looking much younger, refreshed, and more
awake.
Again, while dermatochalasis is a benign condition that in most
cases is easily treatable, it is worth repeating that if you do notice your
eyelid/s begin to droop especially if it is a sudden, recent event it
can be a sign of serious conditions that should be evaluated promptly
by an eye doctor.
If you would like more information on droopy eyelid surgery or would
like to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Michael Grossman at
Illinois Retina & Eye Associates in Peoria at 309-589-1880.
Photo courtesy of Illinois Retina & Eye Associates
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