When Is Eyelid Surgery Needed?

There are many types of eyelid lesions. Some are benign (non-cancerous) and do not require treatment. However, others may be malignant (cancerous) and should be removed.

Your surgeon will carefully remove the lesion and determine whether it should be examined by a pathologist to identify if it is cancerous. This helps provide an accurate diagnosis while improving the health and appearance of your eyelid.

An eyelid lesion is usually removed if it is:

• Irritating the eye
• Getting larger
• Changing in size, shape, or color

Your ophthalmologist will remove the lesion using the safest technique while achieving the best possible cosmetic result.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid lesion removal is typically performed as an outpatient or office-based procedure.

During the procedure:

• Your surgeon will inject a local anesthetic to numb the eyelid.
• A small incision will be made in the eyelid.
• The lesion will be carefully removed.

Depending on the type and location of the lesion, as well as the removal technique used:

• The incision may be left to heal naturally, or
• It may be closed with stitches.

During recovery, it is important to protect your eyes.

Your ophthalmologist may recommend:

• Avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible.
• Wearing darkly tinted sunglasses outdoors.
• Following all postoperative instructions until the eye has fully healed.

Your ophthalmologist will tell you how long these precautions are necessary.

How Safe Is Eyelid Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery carries certain risks, although serious complications are uncommon.

Possible risks include:

• Unusual bruising or swelling after surgery
• Severe dry eye
• Bleeding from the surgical site
• Infection
• Pain
• Sensitivity to sunlight or bright light
• Difficulty closing the eyes
• Scarring
• Permanent loss of eyelashes
• The need for additional surgery
• Temporary or permanent changes in vision
• Possible blindness (rare)
• Risks associated with anesthesia

Your ophthalmologist will discuss these risks with you before surgery.

Can I Decide Not to Have Eyelid Surgery?

Removing an eyelid lesion is your decision.

However, if the lesion continues to grow or is cancerous and is not removed, more extensive surgery may be required in the future. Delaying treatment may also increase the risk of:

• Loss of normal eyelid function
• Vision loss
• Loss of the eye
• Spread of certain eyelid cancers to other parts of the body

Your ophthalmologist will explain why removal of the lesion is recommended and discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, be sure to discuss them with your ophthalmologist. They can also answer any questions about your overall eye health and vision.

To discuss eyelid lesion removal or schedule an evaluation, call Eye Care on 5th at (917) 639-3459.