Poorly healed eyelid injuries caused by trauma can lead to long-term vision problems if left untreated. Depending on the severity of the laceration or eyelid trauma experienced, individuals may suffer from additional eye health problems. Eyelid trauma typically involves a type of laceration or cut on the eyelid from trauma.
Thankfully, there are treatment options for those who experience eyelid trauma and suffer from painful wounds. In fact, reconstructive eyelid surgery can help increase your vision and may also provide relief from any symptoms you experience, such as dry eye or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye. Although eyelid trauma may affect vision in the long term, those experiencing uncomfortable symptoms can find relief sooner by seeing an eyelid surgeon.
Eyelid Trauma and Vision
While some individuals require surgery due to eyelid trauma, others select surgery for cosmetic reasons. As for eyelid trauma, it should be addressed right away. If left untreated, eyelid cuts or lacerations can become infected. Additionally, the eyelid can grow back together abnormally, leading to drooping and interfering with your vision.
Those suffering from severe trauma of the eyelid due to an injury should receive an early assessment of extraocular movements and potential gaze restriction. If surgical repair is necessary, an ophthalmologist can perform evaluations, order scans, and learn more about the personal history surrounding your eye trauma.
Causes of Eyelid Trauma
Eyelid lacerations are a commonly reported cause of emergency department visits, accounting for approximately 10% of all visits. In addition, eyelid lacerations are a frequently encountered type of ophthalmic injury, with over 1.4 million eye-related injuries reported annually.
Some of the many causes of eyelid trauma include:
- Blunt force
- Botched surgery
- Falls
- Chemical burns
- Sports collisions
- Assault
- Animal bites or scratches
- Exposure to hazardous liquids such as bleach
- Accidents, including car wrecks
- Recreational activity
- Workplace or household mishaps
Among the above, falls are the most common cause of eyelid lacerations in children and older adults. However, eyelid damage due to assault is more common in adults. When the damage to the eyelid is severe, trauma repair, reconstruction, or surgery may be required.
Symptoms of Eyelid Trauma
When an eye experiences trauma, several parts of the eye are affected. Whether you accidentally fell down the stairs, were unfortunately in a car wreck, or an animal scratched your eye, the eyelid likely received some damage.
Some of the symptoms of eyelid trauma consist of the following:
- Lacerations
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Drooping eyelid
- Rash
- Orbital fractures
- The feeling of a foreign object in the eye
- Tearing
- Change in eye movements
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Red eyes
- Dry eyes
- Discoloration
- Discharge
- Numbness
- Vision impairment
Depending on how the eyelid was damaged, the symptoms may differ. Some symptoms may be more serious than others, requiring surgery or another form of repair. In fact, eyelid damage can lead to health issues in the surrounding tissues.
For instance, there may be a tear in the tear drainage system or a blockage of the tear sac. Additionally, eyelid restoration may be needed to restore the lid structure after it has been affected by cancer.
Receive Eyelid Surgery Today
If you are suffering from an injured eyelid, consider finding relief by contacting Advanced Eye Medical. Our eye doctors have extensive experience performing eyelid surgeries. Whether you require medication or surgery, Dr. Ghosheh offers a wide range of services.
Contact Advanced Eye Medical today to learn more about eyelid trauma repair, reconstruction methods, and other ways to maintain eye health despite experiencing tears, lacerations, and drooping eyelids.