Eyelid Retraction

Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves disease), trauma or prior surgery can lead to retraction of the eyelids. This can involve the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid or both, producing dry eyes and a stared look. You do not have to live with this!  Eyelid retraction can be corrected surgically. This is normally done under local anesthesia and takes between 30 min and 1 hour. Recovery takes a couple of weeks.

What should you know about Eyelid Retraction

Eyelid retraction is the result of shortening or pulling on the middle layer of the eyelid. The skin and the conjunctiva (inside of the eyelid) are normal. The treatment depends on the cause. It can vary from a simple detachment or removal of the retracted tissue (scar) to adding support tissue (spacer) for lengthening the eyelid.

Only one eye can be treated at a time because you need to wear a patch over the eye for 2 days after surgery.

Surgery

Surgery is done usually under local anesthesia or IV sedation and takes between 30 min and 1 hour.