Functional eyelid surgery

Ptosis or correction of a drooping eyelid

Normally the eyelid moves up and down because of the contraction of a muscle in the eyelid. This muscle is attached just above the eyelashes to the tarsus, a sort of cartilage plate.

Ectropion

Ectropion causes the lower eyelid to droop away from the eye. This leaves the inner surface of the eye visible and exposed. It then becomes chronically irritated.

Entropion

Entropion causes the eyelid to turn or roll inwards. It then rubs against the eyeball and causes irritation. It usually affects the lower eyelid.

Dermatochalazis

Dermatochalasis (excess eyelid skin) is usually caused by skin ageing: the fibres in the skin lose their elasticity and the skin becomes slacker.

Eyelid biopsy

When you have a biopsy done, a small piece of tissue is removed and sent away to be examined under a microscope.