Oculoplastic Surgery

What Is Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery?

Plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eye is a specialized area of ophthalmology that deals with deformities and abnormalities of the eyelids, tear (lacrimal) system, the bony cavity surrounding the eye (orbit), and the surrounding part of the face in both adult and pediatric patients. Ophthalmic plastic surgery is plastic surgery that is limited to the eyes and face.

With age, several problems can develop within the eyelids. Patients may experience dermatochalasis, which is excessive skin and tissue formation of the upper and/or lower eyelids. The treatment of choice is surgical removal of that tissue. It becomes medically necessary to perform that surgery if the vision is being obstructed by the drooping of the eyelids. The other entity is called ptosis, which is truly a drooping of the upper eyelids secondary to weakness of the muscle that lifts up the upper eyelids.

The treatment is surgical repair of the eyelids, by lifting up the weak muscle. Other surgically corrected eyelid problems include ectropion, where the lower and/or upper eyelid is loose and is easily everted, and entropion, where the lower and/or upper eyelid is easily inverted.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Cohlmia Eye Center is the premier and trusted ophthalmology Center in Wichita. With our dedication to up-to-date technology and passionate patient care, we treat a wide array of ophthalmic disorders. A common problem that plagues older individuals is drooping eyelids. To better understand the implications of drooping eyelids – what the symptoms are and how it can be treated – look to none other than leading ophthalmologist Dr. Sam Cohlmia – head surgeon and owner of Cohlmia Eye Center.

What are different causes of drooping eyelids?

You can have muscular drooping of the eyelid where the muscle that lifts up the island becomes weak or you can have just extra skin and fat that’s collecting on your upper eyelids that’s putting a lot of weight on the eyelid and pushing it down.

What are some of the symptoms of droopy eyelids?

Some of the main symptoms of drooping of the eyelid, besides being visible to the to the individual, is blurry vision. You know if the upper eyelids are so droopy that they’re causing the vision to be blurry to the point where it becomes a danger to perhaps drive or walk and even do your daily functions, then you definitely want to get something done. And in that case, if the vision is affected, then insurance does cover the cost of the surgery. However if you’re only doing it for cosmetic reasons because you don’t like the appearance of the eyelid and there’s no visual compromise, then of course insurance will not pay for it.

How long will it take to heal after having eyelid surgery?

For the surgery, you will be awake. You’ll be sedated but your upper eyelids or lower eyelids for which ever eyelids we’re working on will be completely anesthetized so you won’t feel a thing. There’s really no pain obviously during surgery. After surgery, there may be a little bit of irritation involving the eyelids. However, the main symptom after surgery would be the swelling that you have involving the eyelids as well as the bruising involving the eyelids. Usually, it takes several weeks for that to completely go away.

At Cohlmia Eye Center, we want to ensure that our patients receive the best care around when it comes to your sight. Don’t hesitate Come in and let’s see what we can do for you.

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Professional and efficient

"Very professional and efficient. Staff is friendly and helpful. Trust him absolutely with my eyes and did a great job with my surgeries."

Mark Winslow via Google Reviews

The absolute best

"My family and I have been going to Dr. Cohlmia for years. He is the absolute best, and the level of care from him and his staff is second to none!"

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Exceptional doctor

"Wonderful staff. Very pleasant and most helpful. Dr. Cohlmia takes time to explain everything. We have both been very pleased with him. He is an exceptional Doctor."

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