Dr Brent Gaskin, our oculoplastic surgeon, consults in Melbourne for drooping eyelids and watery eyes
Dr Brent Gaskin, our oculoplastic surgeon, consults in Melbourne for drooping eyelids and watery eyes
Oculoplastic surgery is a sub-specialty that covers disorders or diseases of the anatomical structures surrounding the eyeball. This includes the eyelids, the lacrimal (tear) system, eye socket (orbit), and facial features surrounding the eyes.
You may be referred to our oculoplastic surgeon from Melbourne or surrounding areas for a number of disorders, some of which are much more common than others.
Watery Eyes
The medical term for this is epiphora, the overflow of tears from the eye not due to an emotional response such as crying. Many people will experience unexpected watery eyes at more than one point in their life, often due to a temporary irritation such as allergy or a foreign body flying into the eye. For some patients, constant tearing or watering from one or both eyes can be a source of significant annoyance or embarrassment.
Some cases of epiphora are in fact due to dry eye. As the surface of the eye dries and becomes exposed to the environment, this triggers a reflex to produce tears from the lacrimal gland. An overproduction of tears can lead to the eye feeling watery.
In other cases, an overflow of tears can be a result of poor eyelid position. The inner corners of the top and bottom eyelids contain tiny holes known as puncta, through which tears drain from the surface of the eye. If the eyelids are not appropriately positioned against the surface of the eye, the tears often are unable to access the puncta and instead overflow down the face.
Epiphora may also arise from a blockage or narrowing somewhere along the nasolacrimal system, which refers to the series of anatomical structures involved in the drainage of tears from the surface of the eye to the nasal cavity. The site of narrowing may occur at the level of the puncta, or further down, such as the nasolacrimal duct.
Cases of watery eye from poor eyelid position or nasolacrimal system blockage can be addressed by oculoplastic surgery. Melbourne and surrounding suburbs are welcome to come under the care of our oculoplastics specialist for cases of epiphora.
Eyelid Bumps and Tumours
The most common lumps and bumps of the eyelid and surrounding tissues are largely benign. These include styes and chalazia, millia, and xanthelasma. Although styes and chalazia typically self-resolve over a number of days to months, unsightly chalazia or very large and painful styes may require surgical drainage and excision. For these procedures, oculoplastic surgery in our Melbourne rooms can often be done at the time of consultation under topical anaesthesia with maximum convenience and minimal discomfort.
An oculoplastic surgeon in Melbourne, Australia is often required for the management of malignant tumours of the eyelids, particularly due to our harsh Australian sun. Melanomas, squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas have the ability to affect the eyelid, with some cases going undetected for some time. If not referred in a timely manner to an oculoplastic specialist, some of these cancers metastasise aggressively and may even cause fatality. Cancers that have been successfully removed often require extensive facial and eyelid skin reconstruction, making it preferable to come under the care of an experienced specialist with training specific to oculoplastic surgery.
Drooping or Sagging Eyelids
In addition to causing watery eye as mentioned above, poor eyelid positioning can cause a host of other problems, including chronically sore, red eyes in the case of the lower eyelid turning inward (entropion) or falling outward (ectropion), or even visual impairment in the case of the upper eyelid involuntarily drooping (ptosis).
At Armadale Eye Clinic we are equipped to offer surgical correction of eyelid malposition, improving comfort and appearance as well as preventing further complications if the condition goes unaddressed. We also care for patients who wish to undergo surgery of their eyelids, typically the upper lids, primarily in order to improve their appearance, a procedure known as cosmetic blepharoplasty.
Patients seeking treatment from an experienced and highly skilled oculoplastics specialist are welcome to book an appointment with us, either by calling or online.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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93 Kooyong Rd, Armadale,
Melbourne, VIC, 3143,
Australia