An age-related change to the upper or lower eyelids producing an excess of skin and /or protrusion of the deeper fatty tissue (eyelid bags).
Clinical Features
Upper eyelids- skin drooping causes heavy sensation of lids, tired look and obstruction to upper portion of vision if severe. Loss of the normal support may also allow protrusion of the deeper fatty tissues of the eye socket. May be exacerbated by droop of the eyebrows (brow ptosis).
Lower eyelids- skin drooping or swelling often associated with lower eyelid laxity and descent. Loss of the normal support may also allow protrusion of the deeper fatty tissues of the eye socket.
Management
See ophthalmologist with expertise in eyelid (oculoplastic) surgery for cosmetic reasons or if vision is affected.
Blepharoplasty surgery is used to remove excess skin and /or fatty tissue and to tighten the eyelid tissues. For the upper eyelid this involves an incision in the fold of the eyelid. For the lower eyelid an incision is made just under the lower eyelid lashes or occasionally on the inside the eyelid
