Uneven eyelids post scleral buckle

[comet41]

I had a scleral buckle put in my right eye and had laser surgery in my left eye for retinal tears when I was 28. I am now almost 42 and my eyesight has remained fairly strong for 14 years. For this I am eternally grateful to my talented surgeon. I am not a vain woman and appreciate the fact that my eyesight is the most important consideration, but my right eyelid is noticeably uneven and droops over part of my iris. At what point would it become medically necessary to correct? Can it be corrected? What does the procedure entail? Should I look to a oculoplastic surgeon for further advice?

Thanks in advance for your response.

[comet41]

Thank you for your response. Is there any concern for this ptosis repair procedure on a patient with a scleral buckle? Any potential complications? Also, what is a ball park figure for the cost of such a procedure. I doubt my insurance would cover it.

Many thanks for your information in advance.

[Joan M Pernoud, MD]

You are on the right track.

The muscle which elevates the eyelid is rather weak in it's attachments and it is not uncommon that this droopiness can occur for many or no reasons.

The ptosis repair procedure is commonly done by oculoplastic surgeons and some general ophthalmologists. If  the lid cuts out enough visual field above and you are having symptoms from this, insurance will often cover the procedure.

I am a comprehensive ophthalmologist and perform these under local anesthetic in my office surgery room. Takes about 45 minutes and is very comfortable. Two days after I ask my patients to be "couch potatoes" so the incision which is made in the lid fold can heal maximally with minimal bruising. I do ask patients to come off of aspirin, Vitamin E, or "G" herbs for 10 days before to minimize bruising.