Most of the time, eyelid surgery is considered cosmetic surgery as there is no medical reason for performing the procedure. However, in cases where the vision is impacted or eye health is affected by the eyelid changes, eyelid surgery can be performed under medical insurance to improve vision and eye health. These procedures include upper eyelid blepharoplasty, entropion repair, and ectropion repair. Each surgery requires proof of an existing and correctable eye condition. These surgeries can greatly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from the effects of eyelid changes.
Common Eyelid Changes
With age, the eyelid and the skin of the eyelid become more flexible and lax. This can cause the eyelid to droop or sag. This is known as dermatochalasis or blepharochalasis.
If the eyelid droops to the point that it covers part of the pupil, it will limit the visual field of the upper portion.
Additionally, the fat tissue within the eyelid may become dislodged or displaced, changing the upper eyelid position.
In the lower eyelid, it is possible to have the eyelid turn away from the eye consistently causing a condition known as ectropion. Ectropion may lead to severe dry eyes and decreased vision.
This condition can be a result of aging changes, damage from an injury or surgery, or as a result of another eye condition or infection.
The opposite condition is known as entropion. Entropion occurs when the lower eyelid turns inward constantly and leads to the eyelid and eyelashes contacting the cornea and causing damage.
Entropion is frequently associated with age-related eyelid changes or damage to the lower eyelid.
Eyelid Surgery for Dermatochalasis
The treatment for dermatochalasis or blepharochalasis is a surgery called an upper eyelid blepharoplasty or eyelid lift.
This surgery is an invasive procedure that requires operation in a surgical facility and the use of anesthesia.
As with all surgeries, there are known risks associated with the procedure – most are mild or exceedingly rare.
To get medical insurance authorization for the procedure, an automated visual field test must be done to indicate the amount of vision that is impacted by the drooping eyelid.
In most cases, the procedure is done on both eyes on the same day and the recovery is complete within the following weeks of the surgery.
Eyelid Surgery for Ectropion
If ectropion is present, the standard of care is to treat with topical lubrication and eye drops until the condition is severe enough to justify an invasive surgical procedure.
In this surgery, the lower eyelid is tightened and lifted to improve the position of the lower eyelid.
Eyelid Surgery for Entropion
Entropion is considered sufficient for an interventional surgery if the condition persists despite manual manipulation of the eyelid and treatment of any other eye conditions.
This surgery is slightly more complex than ectropion surgery, it requires removing a small amount of the eyelid skin to reposition the lower eyelid and eyelashes.
Both ectropion and entropion surgeries are done in a surgical facility and have a recovery time of a few days to a few weeks.
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