Oculoplastics
The health and appearance of your eyes and eyelids play an important role in both your vision and your quality of life. At Cumberland Eye Care, we offer comprehensive oculoplastic services to address both functional and cosmetic concerns affecting the delicate structures around your eyes.
What is Oculoplastics?
Oculoplastics is a specialized field in ophthalmology that focuses on the eyelids, tear ducts, orbits (eye sockets), and the surrounding facial structures. What makes oculoplastics unique is that it combines ophthalmology with plastic surgery.
Oculoplastic surgeons, like Dr. Michael Jones, have specialized training in eye care as well as the intricate surgical techniques needed to work on the delicate tissues around the eyes. This expertise is essential because the structures around your eyes are not only cosmetically important but also crucial for protecting your vision and maintaining proper eye function.
Oculoplastic procedures can address a wide range of concerns, from medical issues that affect your vision or eye health to cosmetic improvements that help you look and feel your best.
Oculoplastics Services at Cumberland Eye Care
Dr. Michael P. Jones takes the time to understand each patient’s unique concerns and goals, ensuring that the treatment plan addresses both functional needs and aesthetic desires. Our practice offers several key oculoplastic services designed to improve your eye health and appearance.
Botox
While many people think of Botox purely as a cosmetic treatment, it has legitimate medical applications in eye care as well. Botox works by temporarily relaxing muscles, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
At Cumberland Eye Care, Dr. Jones uses Botox to help patients achieve a refreshed, more youthful appearance while maintaining natural-looking results.
Beyond cosmetics, Botox can also be used to treat certain eye conditions, including eyelid spasms and excessive tearing. Dr. Jones will discuss whether Botox is appropriate for your specific needs during your consultation.
Blepharoplasty (Upper and Lower)
Blepharoplasty, commonly called eyelid surgery, is one of the most common oculoplastic procedures we perform. This surgery addresses excess skin and sometimes fat around the eyelids that can create a tired or aged appearance, or in some cases, actually obstruct your vision.
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelids, where excess skin can droop down and interfere with your peripheral vision. Many patients don’t realize how much their drooping upper lids have affected their vision until after surgery, when they suddenly have a wider, clearer field of view.
Beyond the functional benefits, upper blepharoplasty can also rejuvenate your appearance by removing the heavy, hooded look that develops with age.
Lower blepharoplasty addresses bags, puffiness and excess skin under the eyes. This procedure is often performed for cosmetic reasons and can significantly improve your overall appearance and help you look more rested and alert.
Entropion Repair
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye’s surface. This can be painful and potentially damaging to your cornea if left untreated.
Entropion typically develops due to age-related weakening of the muscles and tissues that hold the eyelid in its proper position, though it can also result from scarring, inflammation, or previous eye surgery.
Dr. Jones performs entropion repair to restore the eyelid to its proper position, protecting your eye from irritation and potential damage. The procedure tightens the eyelid structures and repositions them correctly.
Most patients experience immediate relief from their symptoms and are able to resume normal activities within a week or two.
Ectropion Repair
Ectropion is essentially the opposite of entropion. The eyelid turns outward, pulling away from the eye.
When the eyelid doesn’t close properly against the eye, it can’t effectively protect and lubricate the eye’s surface. This can lead to chronic dryness, excessive tearing, redness, and increased risk of eye infections.
Like entropion, ectropion usually develops because of age-related tissue weakening, though it can also result from facial nerve paralysis, scarring, or previous surgery. Ectropion repair surgery tightens the eyelid and repositions it against the eye where it belongs.
Dr. Jones uses precise surgical techniques to restore the eyelid’s proper structure and function. The procedure not only improves the eyelid’s appearance but also restores its protective function, relieving symptoms and preventing further complications.
Who is a Good Candidate for an Oculoplastic Procedure?
You might be a good candidate for oculoplastic surgery if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Drooping upper eyelids that interfere with your vision or make you look tired
- Puffiness or bags under your eyes that don’t improve with rest
- Eyelids that turn inward or outward, causing irritation or tearing
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes that bother you
- Chronic eye irritation or infections related to eyelid position problems
The best candidates for oculoplastic procedures are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve. During your consultation, Dr. Jones will conduct a thorough evaluation of your eyes, eyelids, and surrounding structures.
He’ll discuss your medical history, current medications, and any concerns you have about your eye health or appearance. Dr. Jones takes the time to answer all your questions and ensure you understand your options before moving forward with any procedure.
If you’re experiencing vision problems, eye discomfort, or concerns about the appearance of your eyes and eyelids, schedule a consultation at Cumberland Eye Care in Crossville, TN, today to learn more about how oculoplastic surgery might help you.
