Combating the Aging Process Around the Eyes Is The Role Of Oculoplastic Surgeons

By Chad C. Zatezalo, MD

Washington Eye Physicians and Surgeons

. http://www.washingtoneye.com

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Combating the Aging Process Around the Eyes Is The Role Of Oculoplastic Surgeons

The eyelid skin and tissue surrounding the eye is one of the first areas to show signs of aging and may be the site of cancerous growths.

The thin eyelid skin, the underlying muscle, and the fat around the eye are some of the many factors leading to an aged appearance. These facts along with the properties of the delicate eyelid tissue produce myriad of functional and cosmetic concerns.

Over time, the upper and lower eyelid skin and supportive tissue lose integrity and leads to redundant eyelid tissue. This makes the face appear tired and may interfere with vision. In the lower lids, the dark muscle under the skin becomes more evident and the fat behind the eyelid moves forward and downward to produce swollen lower eyelid “bags” and dark circles.

There are many ways to combat the aging process around the eyes depending on causative factors. Some patients may benefit from blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery, while others may only need volume augmentation with a dermal filler or improvement in the texture of their skin. There is no one right treatment and each patient’s treatment must be customized.

The eyelid and surrounding tissue can also be the area of harmful growths including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. The eyelid and the eye itself are precious tissues that are difficult areas to protect from the sun. This necessitates routine screening for small growths on the eye and eyelid to help to minimize tissue loss in the removal of these harmful growths. The eyelids can be protected with sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, sunscreen powders, and large brim hats.

Oculoplastic surgeons are a uniquely qualified group of doctors that specialize in the medical and surgical management of functional and cosmetic concerns of the eyelids, lacrimal system (tearing), orbit (tissue behind the eye) and the adjacent face. Oculoplastic Surgeons are ophthalmologist that have completed advanced fellowship training in plastic surgery as it pertains to the eyes, eyelids and surrounding tissue. Since surgery of this delicate and complex tissue can compromise vision and the health of the eye, oculoplastic Surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform these surgeries.

Fellowships are accredited by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), which was founded in 1969 to establish a qualified body of surgeons who have training and experience in the highly specialized field of Ophthalmic Plastic and Orbit Surgery.