Eyelid Surgery

Why is Eyelid Surgery Important?

Eyelids protect the eye and help maintain vision and comfort. When they’re not shaped or positioned correctly, pets can suffer from irritation, infections, or even vision loss.

Common symptoms include:

  • Squinting or excessive blinking
  • Increased tearing or discharge
  • Redness or swelling around the eyes
  • Visible irritation or trauma

Contact the location nearest you today to request a make an appointment for eyelid surgery at Animal Eye Care.

Common Eyelid Procedures

Entropion Repair

When the eyelid rolls inward, eyelashes and fur rub against the cornea, which can cause pain, ulcers, inflammation, and scarring. Surgery is done to correct the eyelid position, protect the eye, and restore comfort.

Drooping eyelids can overly expose the eye surface, leading to chronic irritation, discharge, or infection. Surgery is done to tighten and reposition the eyelid for better eye coverage.

Eyelid tumors are common, especially in older pets. Many of these tumors are benign and can be removed without anesthesia (via a debulking/cryotherapy procedure). Surgical removal may be needed for larger masses to prevent further irritation and protect the eye from damage.

A congenital condition, most often in cats, where part of the upper eyelid is missing (ie never formed). Without surgery, the exposed eye can develop ulcers and scarring. Reconstruction procedures create functional eyelid tissue and improve comfort. Cryoepilation may be considered in less severe cases to remove hairs that rub on the surface of the eye.

Distichia are eyelashes that grow from abnormal locations on the eyelid margin. These hairs often touch the eye and may cause irritation, tearing, or ulcers. Treatment may include cryotherapy to prevent long-term damage and reduce irritation.

Ectopic cilia are abnormal hairs that grow under the eyelid surface, often causing severe pain, squinting, and corneal ulcers. Surgical removal is necessary to eliminate the discomfort and heal the ulcer.

Evaluating Suitability for Eyelid Surgery or Correction

Our experienced veterinary ophthalmologists will conduct a thorough evaluation of your pet’s eye health. We will discuss your pet’s diagnosis and recommendations for treatment, including pre-anesthetic blood work for surgical cases. Some procedures may be completed the same day of your consultation. For surgery, pets are dropped off in the morning and picked up later the same day.

What to Expect After Surgery

  • Mild swelling or redness (temporary)
  • An Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma
  • Topical and/or oral medications
  • Recheck exams to monitor healing and eye health

Most pets recover quickly & enjoy a noticeable improvement in comfort & vision.

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