The drooping of the upper eyelid on one or both eyes is called ptosis and is caused by weakness and/or stretching of the muscles and structures within the eyelid. This is most commonly caused by aging, but could develop after an injury, or due to genetics. No matter the cause, ART Vision and Dr. Alison R. Tendler can help treat the condition with a surgical procedure that repairs the stretched muscle or tendon. As a board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Tendler is highly skilled in the performance of oculoplastic procedures, such as ptosis repair, which is often combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). This procedure can produce results that not only improve function of the eyelid and visual lifestyle, but can also help patients appear more refreshed and youthful. To learn more about the benefits of ptosis repair, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tendler at our Sioux Falls, SD facility today.

Those most likely to benefit from ptosis repair have drooping eyelids that may cause them difficulty keeping their eyes open, affecting their field of vision. Patients should be in overall good health, with conditions such as thyroid and diabetic diseases well managed. Surgery is best performed on those who are non-smokers as well as patients who are not on blood thinning medications (or who can safely stop them). Men and women who wish to have this addressed by a skilled surgeon should schedule a consultation at ART Vision with Dr. Tendler to find out if the surgery is an ideal solution for them, and to discuss realistic goals and expectations. She may also discuss other non-invasive and non-surgical aesthetic options that can either be performed at the same time as surgery or during a visit to ARTisan Skin and Laser Center to help maximize and improve upon your view of yourself.

The procedure technique used to complete a ptosis repair surgery is often combined with a blepharoplasty but can be done as a stand alone procedure. It is performed using local anesthesia and will be combined with mild sedation for optimal comfort. Your incisions will either be placed on the upper eyelid, hidden in a natural lid fold, or be placed on the back side of your eyelid. Through these small incisions, Dr. Tendler will reposition the muscles and/or cartilage of the eyelid before closing the incisions.

It is recommended that you begin using cold compresses immediately after surgery to help keep swelling and bruising at bay. Most people have minimal discomfort but can experience blurry and fluctuating vision, foreign body sensation, and dryness. This gets better quickly. Depending upon your healing progress, you can plan to return to work or drive in a matter of days. Dr. Tendler also recommends patients refrain from exercise or vigorous activity during the recovery period. Your follow-up appointment will be between 10-14 days after surgery and this visit is important so our team can ensure you are healing properly. Patients often note an immediate improvement in their visual field, as well as results that help them feel more confident, while still looking natural.

Drooping eyelids can be challenging and cause unnecessary self-confidence issues, as well as difficulty seeing the world around you. But Dr. Tendler and the team at ART Vision can help you feel better and see with more clarity using carefully performed oculoplastic techniques at our Sioux Falls, SD facility. During your consultation, learn what options will be best for you to achieve your visual goals, which may include ptosis repair. We look forward to meeting you and providing you with the results you deserve to live the life that you want so you can See the World Better and See yourself Better.

Call us at 605.306.2020 / Schedule an appointment

At ART Vision in Sioux Falls, SD, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your eyes on the inside and out. If you are suffering from an eyelid condition that has led to lumps and bumps on your eyes, causes irritation, or creates excessive tearing (epiphora), Dr. Alison R. Tendler, a board-certified ophthalmologist, and her dedicated team are equipped to treat your condition with an effective procedure that will have you feeling and looking better. Lesions around the eyes are typically noncancerous but may obstruct your line of sight, affect your vision, or cause mild irritation and discomfort. Excessive tearing is not only bothersome, it can create irritation and decrease your vision. If any of these symptoms are something that you are experiencing, we would be glad to introduce you to the team at ART Vision who can diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan.

Dr. Tendler is experienced in the treatment of many eyelid conditions. Some of the most commonly seen lesions are listed below.

Chalazion – A lump that grows slowly and is caused by the blockage and/or swelling of an oil gland. Over time, the bump may grow as large as the size of a pea. This is often a sign of another condition related to Dry Eye, or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). They may cause a temporary change in vision, inflammation and redness, discomfort when blinking and a lack of self-confidence.

Styes – Similar to a chalazion, these are small red lesions that form along the eyelid, close to the lashes and sometimes inside or under the eyelid. While they are typically not serious, they can be uncomfortable and irritating.

Benign Skin Growths - There are multiple common yet unwanted growths that can occur around the eyelids and lashes. Types of benign skin lesions may include skin tags, nevi/mole, papilloma/wart, and cysts. These typically are more bothersome for your self-confidence than concerning, but having an evaluation with Dr. Tendler and her team at ART Vision can help diagnose your eyelid condition and decide on treatment options to provide you relief.

Trichiasis - Although uncommon, this condition occurs when the eyelashes are turned inward toward the eye, which can create irritation, redness, and tearing. A constant foreign body sensation, or scratching, is often noted every time you blink.

Excessive Tearing (Epiphora) - Excessive tearing has multiple causes, the most common being dry eye, or ocular surface disease. Other reasons for an overproduction of tears include abnormalities in eyelid position, extra conjunctiva, and a blocked tear drainage system. At ART Vision, we know this can not only be physically bothersome, this can create lifestyle concerns and decrease your self-confidence. Dr. Tendler and her team look forward to helping you diagnose the reason for your excess tearing, and come up with a treatment plan for relief.

Patients who make the best candidates for the treatment of an eyelid conditions are men and women whose vision or comfort is affected by a lump or bump near their eye, or are experiencing symptoms of irritation or vision concerns. Dr. Tendler may also recommend treatment if your self-confidence is affected by the condition. ART Vision strives to protect your vision, as well as your overall health. Therefore, if we believe that treatment is not in your best interest, we may recommend other treatment options. During your consultation, a member of our team will assess your eyelid condition and discuss your medical history. After this information is attained, Dr. Tendler will be prepared to recommend a course of action.

For eyelid lesions, minor surgical removal is often the best way to address them, but sometimes at home treatments can also be beneficial including warm compresses, eyelid cleansing, and prescription medications. Depending on the location and associated symptoms, Dr. Tendler or a member of her team may address the lesions by excision (removal) or drainage. In most cases, stitches are not necessary, and scarring is often not an issue with proper home care.

Although trichiasis can be treated with epilation, or direct removal, of the lashes, a more permanent option is often sought. Selective lash destruction, or electrolysis, can be performed with an in-office treatment while keeping the normal lashes and eyelid anatomy intact.

Due to the many causes of excessive tearing, or epiphora, there are several treatment options that can be discussed. Once Dr. Tendler has carefully evaluated your condition, she will determine which options she feels are best to help improve your symptoms and move you toward feeling your best.

If an eyelid lesion is surgically removed, antibiotic ointment or eye drops are often prescribed to protect the incision against potential infection and improve post-operative healing. Full healing often occurs within 1 week of the procedure. For all eye lid conditions discussed above, patients are able to return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure as they feel able.

Most individuals will experience at least one condition involving an unwanted eyelid "lump or bump" in their life, and in most cases they do not require treatment or special attention. But when you suffer from an eyelid condition that affects your vision, creates irritation, excessive tearing or impacts your self-confidence, ART Vision is here to help. Schedule a consultation today at our Sioux Falls, SD facility if you have an eyelid condition that is affecting your lifestyle, and Dr. Tendler will be glad to create a treatment plan that helps you confidently See the World Better and See Yourself Better.

Call us at 605.306.2020 / Schedule an appointment