Oculoplastics
Chester County Eye Care Associates’ oculolplastics specialist, Bruce I. Stark, M.D., performs functional and aesthetic procedures to correct problems in the eyelid area. Dr. Stark treats medical conditions such as ptosis (droopy eyelids), entropion (inward turning of the eyelid), ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid), and chalazion (lump in the eyelid), and performs blepharoplasty to correct drooping eyelids and bags under the eyes. Dr. Stark compliments his oculoplastics work by offering aesthetic cosmetic enhancements including Botox®, Juvederm™, GentleWaves™, Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing, cosmetic peels and facials at the Center for Rejuvenations at CCEC.
Chalazion
Chalazion is a lump that develops in the eyelids. A chalazion is a common condition which occurs when the duct from the meibomian glands gets blocked and it gets bigger and bigger as the oily fluid accumulates. A chalazion grows over a period of a few weeks and usually doesn’t cause pain or any other problems. Rarely, it can become enlarged and press on the eye ball and affect vision. If a chalazion gets infected it can become red, swollen and painful.
Surgery to remove a chalazion is typically done in the office and performed under local anesthetic which is applied with a small injection into the eyelid. Sometimes an anesthetic cream is also applied locally to minimize the discomfort from the injection. When the chalazion is relatively small, it can be removed through a small cut at the back of the eyelid. There is no need for stitches since the cut is at the back of the eyelid, it doesn’t show and the cosmetic result is excellent. If the chalazion is large and pushes on the skin of the eyelid then it is usually removed via a small cut in front of the eyelid through the skin. The cut on the skin of the eyelid is closed with very fine stitches which provide a very good cosmetic result when they are removed, usually five to seven days later. The removed chalazion is usually sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope because very rarely it can harbor cancer.
<Ptosis
Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. The lid may droop slightly or it may cover the pupil entirely. In some cases ptosis can restrict and even block normal vision. Ptosis is treated surgically, with the specific operation based on the severity of the ptosis and the remaining strength of the levator muscle. Surgery is typically performed in the office under local anesthesia to numb the upper eyelid, with the patient lightly sedated.
Entropion
Entropion is an inward turning of the eyelid and lashes toward the eye, usually caused by relaxation of the eye muscles and tissue due to aging.
Entropion usually affects the lower lid. The skin and eyelashes rub against the eye and cause discomfort and tearing. The irritated eye can produce mucous, and become red and sensitive to light and wind. If entropion is not treated, rubbing of the skin and eyelashes can cause infection or scarring of the eye, which can cause vision loss.
Surgical treatment of entropion involves tightening of the eyelid tissues to restore its elasticity and position. Eyelid surgery to repair entropion is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia.
Ectropion
Ectropion is an outward turning of the lower eyelid, most commonly caused by aging, although eyelid burns or skin disease may also be responsible. Normally, the eyelids help lubricate and cleanse the eye during blinking. An eyelid that is drooping and has lost contact with the eye can cause dry eyes, excessive tearing, redness and sensitivity to light and wind.
Surgical treatment of ectropion involves the tightening of the eyelid and the return it to its normal position. The eyelid can then protect and lubricate the eye properly, so that irritation and other symptoms subside. Eyelid surgery to repair ectropion is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia.