Eyelid Surgery
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What do you need to know about eyelid surgery:
Eyelid surgery may be done to correct entropion or ectropion conditions. entropion is a condition that causes your eyelid to turn inward. Ectropion is a condition that causes your eyelid to turn outward. Both conditions most often affect the lower eyelid.
How to prepare for eyelid surgery:
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
What will happen during eyelid surgery:
You will be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain. You may instead be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep during surgery. For entropion repair, your surgeon will make an incision on the outside corner of your eyelid or just below your eyelid. For ectropion repair, your surgeon will make an incision on the skin at the outside corner of your eyelid. Your surgeon may instead make an incision in another area of your eyelid. Your surgeon may remove excess tissue from your eyelid. This will help to tighten the eyelid so that it moves back to the normal position. The incision will be closed with stitches.
What will happen after eyelid surgery:
You may need to wear an eye patch overnight to protect your eye. You will need to use antibiotic ointment for about a week. You may have bruising and swelling for up to 2 weeks.
Risks of eyelid surgery:
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your ectropion or entropion condition may occur again and you may need another surgery.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your stitches come apart.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your incision is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines can help decrease pain or swelling. You will be given an eye ointment to help prevent infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Wear your eye patch as directed:
You may need to wear an eye patch overnight to protect your eye.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You will need to return to have your stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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