A number of changes can occur to the eyelids and the areas around the eyes due to aging, trauma, scarring, and autoimmune disease that can cause discomfort, disfigurement, and loss of sight, if left untreated. Medication and surgery can help correct these conditions to optimize vision and comfort. Our surgeons specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and eye area.
There are a variety of functional oculoplastic conditions with different causes and treatments, including:
The upper eyelids may become ‘droopy’ because of aging, neurologic conditions, trauma, or even infection. When this drooping affects vision, it can be repaired with surgery.
Ectropion, or the eyelids turning outward, and entropion, or the eyelids turning inward, are common results of aging, scarring, neurologic conditions, or inflammation around the eye. When these changes affect vision, they can be repaired surgically.
Lesions are common from sweat glands, sebaceous cysts, and even moles. A doctor will examine the growth to determine whether it is benign and then remove the lesion during a simple office procedure with local anesthetic.
Facial nerve paralysis can be a temporary issue that resolves spontaneously, or it may be a permanent after a stroke or removal of certain neurologic tumors. A facial nerve palsy weakens the muscles that close the eyes, putting them at risk for exposure and infection. Treatment usually involves surgery to improve eyelid position to protect the eyes.
Blepharospasm is an uncontrollable, rhythmic, and involuntary closure of both eyelids. It can be associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or be idiopathic without a known cause. Treatment involves reduction of environmental stimuli that can exacerbate spasms, as well as Botox therapy to alleviate the spasms.
Thyroid eye disease (TED), sometimes called dysthyroid orbitopathy and associated with Graves’ disease, occurs when the antibodies produced by the immune system mistakenly attack the muscles and tissue behind the eye. The inflammation can cause the eyes to bulge forward, a condition known as proptosis. It can also make the eyelids open wider and cause dry eyes, watery eyes, double vision, decreased vision, and eye irritation. In rare cases, the autoimmune condition can cause vision loss. The active inflammation that causes these changes last from one to three years, but can cause symptoms and disfigurement that require treatment. A thorough and thoughtful evaluation of your thyroid eye disease is important to determine the severity and activity of disease and tailor a medical and/or surgical treatment plan to meet your needs. With the correct treatment, TED can be well managed, and patients can live normal lives.
Your ophthalmologist will discuss your specific functional oculoplastics condition and treatment plan with you.
The Cizik Eye Clinic opened in 2007 and is housed in Memorial Hermann Plaza at 6400 Fannin Street. It includes dozens of exam areas, multiple operating rooms, and laser suites equipped with the most sophisticated equipment available for patient care.
People travel from across the country and the world for treatment at the Cizik Eye Clinic, in part because our affiliation with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth provides unmatched resources and expertise. Our friendly staff works diligently to make your visit pleasant and efficient, as we maximize patient flow through everything from routine eye exams to the most advanced eye surgeries.
Our physicians are faculty members at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or are board eligible. At the Cizik Eye Clinic, we understand that the eye is a small part of a whole patient who deserves top-notch, comprehensive care in a cutting-edge facility.
At Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, we offer patients access to highly specialized eye and vision care. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-9400, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.