Blepharochalasis is a rare condition in which the upper eyelids swell and droop. The disease is recurrent in nature: edema periodically appears for no apparent reason, then disappears. As a result, the skin of the eyelids stretches and becomes wrinkled.

Why does blepharochalasis occur ?

The causes are unknown, but there are factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Some doctors attribute to them problems with immunity and heredity.

It is possible that triggers that contribute to bouts of edema are also:

• Hormonal changes against the background of puberty, the onset of menstruation;
• Age features;
• Strong wind impact;
• Insect bites;
• stress and fatigue;
• infections;
• Damage to the eyelids due to injury or illness;
• Accumulation of immunoglobulin A ( IgA ) in the skin of the eyelids due to UV exposure.

Signs and symptoms:

• The main external sign is edema, the accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the eyelids and around them. There are no traces left on the affected skin after pressing;
• After a series of numerous attacks of swelling and improvements, the skin of the eyelids gradually loses its shape and atrophies. As a result, numerous folds are formed. The eyelids hang over the corner of the eye and can block the pupil, thereby affecting vision;
• Discolored and/or spider veins appear. Over time, when bouts of swelling recur, hyperpigmentation occurs – the color of the tissues of the eyelids may acquire a reddish-brown or bronze tint.
• The upper eyelids feel heavy, while the lower eyelids change position and turn inwards over time. Because of this, the eyelashes irritate the eyeball.

An important difference from edema in inflammation is that there is no pain with blepharochalasis . The disease is very often confused with others, for example, with ptosis, dermatochalasis and blepharitis. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself and they do not go away, get worse or change, you should contact your optometrist.

How is blepharochalasis treated ? Are there ways to prevent?

Blepharochalasis cannot be prevented or cured. The problem is solved exclusively by surgery – a cosmetic correction of the defect (blepharoplasty) is performed. As with other vision problems, early diagnosis and treatment is important. With a timely operation, the prognosis for vision will be the most favorable, but the operation does not exclude re-drooping of the eyelid.

Diagnostics for blepharochalasis

In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor collects an anamnesis and monitors the patient during periods of exacerbations and remissions and monitors the course of the disease. There are no special medical tests that can detect this syndrome.

Usually, however, if blepharochalasis is suspected, the usual ophthalmological examinations are performed:

• Visometry (diagnostics of visual acuity);
• Refractometry (​​measurement of the refractive power of the cornea, lens, vitreous body, chambers of the eyeball);
• biomicroscopy ;
• Perimetry;
• Measurement of intraocular pressure.

Indications for blepharoplasty:

• vision problems;
• Pronounced aesthetic defect;
• No deterioration within 6-12 months.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Infectious diseases in the acute phase;
• Diabetes;
• Hepatitis;
• Hypertension;
• Oncology.

How is the operation for blepharochalasis ?

It is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, the patient after the operation, with the permission of the doctor, can go home on the same day. After anesthesia, the plastic surgeon removes excess skin and makes a lift. The procedure takes about one and a half to two hours. Stitches are usually removed within 3-5 days. To prevent them from dispersing, a patch is glued to the incision site.

Sometimes additional resection of the levator is required ­- surgery to shorten the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid or lateral canthoplasty – changing the shape and shape of the eyes by pulling up. It depends on the individual characteristics of the structure of the eyelids.

Full recovery usually takes one to two weeks. During rehabilitation, the patient is prescribed antibacterial eye drops or ointments to speed up the healing of the eyelids and eliminate complications. The scar after the intervention is barely noticeable even up close.

Are there complications after blepharoplasty?

As after any surgical intervention, bruises, swelling, divergence of the seams and the appearance of scars are not ruled out. To prevent these unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the recommendations of the doctor before and after the operation.

What to do to prevent blepharochalasis ?

There are no special measures to prevent the disease, but there are recommendations that can delay it. In order for edema not to disturb too often, doctors recommend:

• Do not forget about eye hygiene – wash your face regularly and use a separate towel for your face;
• Refuse eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner and shadows) or use cosmetics as little as possible;
• Avoid piercings that can weigh down the eyelid.