Treatment for Stye, Ptosis, Inflammation, and Other Eyelid Disorders
At Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists, we are dedicated to protecting your complete ocular health. We recognize that your eyelid plays an important role in your vision. If you suffer from an eyelid condition such as ptosis, edema, inflammation, or a stye, we can provide effective relief at our Clermont practice, or one of our other area locations. We take a conservative approach to eye care, prescribing antibiotics and antihistamines, as needed. We also offer advanced surgical options for conditions such as ptosis and ectropion. If you suffer discomfort because of your eyelids, or if you feel self-conscious about drooping eyelids, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Styes
A stye is a common and typically harmless abscess on your upper or lower eyelid. Also called a hordoleum, a stye forms when oil and bacteria get trapped inside an oil duct. It will often look like a pimple, and it is usually filled with pus. Occasionally, internal styes can develop on the inside of your eyelid. Styes typically go away on their own, but they may leave behind a bump called a chalazion. Although this bump is usually harmless, it can be embarrassing, and can sometimes lead to serious infection called cellulitis. If your stye does not go away on its own, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic cream or oral medication. Alternatively, he may also lance the stye to relieve pressure and stimulate healing.
Ptosis
Ptosis, or drooping eyelid, is typically an age-related condition, although patients of all ages may suffer from this problem. As you age, your skin and muscles lose elasticity, and your eyelid may begin to droop so dramatically that it blocks your vision. During eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, your doctor will carefully create an incision in the natural fold of your eyelid, or hidden in your lash line. Through this incision, he can remove excess tissue, tighten sagging muscles, and eliminate fat deposits that may cause your eyelid to droop. In addition to enjoying improved vision, you may also enjoy a more alert and youthful appearance.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, can be immensely irritating, although it does not threaten your sight or the long-term health of your eye. The condition is typically caused by excess bacteria around your eyes, often blocking oil glands. It may also be caused by allergies. Symptoms include redness, itching, a feeling of something in your eyes, dry eye, crusting around your eyelashes, and blurred vision. Typically, blepharitis can be treated with warm compresses, eyelid scrubs, and thorough cleaning. However, if the condition does not clear up with this conservative treatment, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or allergy medication.
Edema
Swollen, puffy eyelids can occur when you have a buildup of fluid, or edema, around your eyes. This condition can result from allergies, a physical injury to the eye, or eye infections. Occasionally, it can indicate the presence of a serious eye condition, so it is important to contact your doctor if you experience red eyes, irritation, watery eyes, and dryness around your eyelid. If the eyelid is particularly swollen, it may even impair your vision. Swollen eyelids can be treated with antibiotics, eye drops, allergy medications, and compresses. If you suffer from this condition, you should avoid touching your eyes, and you should stop wearing contacts until it clears up.
Ectropion and Entropion
Ectropion occurs when your eyelid, typically the lower, turns outward and exposes the inner eyelid, resulting in irritation and infection. Conversely, entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inwards, and the eyelashes and skin consistently rub against the surface of the eye. Typically, surgery is the best treatment for these conditions. Your doctor will create a small incision in the corner of your lower eyelid to raise sagging muscles and remove excess skin. With this straightforward surgery, patients can enjoy immediate relief from their symptoms.
Call Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists
If you suffer from these or similar eyelid conditions, schedule an appointment at Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Specialists today. We will provide a thorough diagnosis and work to find the right treatment for your needs.