Droopy eyes may be a naturally occurring feature in some people, creating a characteristic ’sleepy eye’ look. However, in other cases, it can extend beyond just the cosmetic aspect and contribute to difficulty with vision, especially in cases of ptosis. The medical term, ptosis, refers to the drooping of the upper eyelids when it is markedly obvious and uncharacteristic for the person in question. Naturally droopy eyelids, that have been present from birth and do not hamper vision in any way, is not considered to be ptosis. Similarly ptosis should not be confused with angioedema, which is the swelling of the dermis of the skin due to an allergic reaction. Angioedema affects the dermis of the cheek and orbit thereby creating a swelling of the eyelid and not drooping.

continue reading Causes of Droopy Eyes and Ptosis

The term ‘swollen eyes‘ is often used to describe a range of eye swellings caused by a number of conditions. It is important to first differentiate whether the swelling is around the eye  (above, below or around the eyeball), a swelling of the eyelid or swelling of the eyeball itself. Other signs and symptoms may also assist with identifying the causative factors and this includes an itchy, red eye or darkening of the swelling itself as in trauma or a ‘black eye’.

continue reading Swollen Eyes & Swelling of the Eye

Causes of Itchy Eyes

1. Non-Washed Eyes

Thick fat from the oil glands in the inner eye corner may cause itchy eyes if not washed off in the morning. Sweat from the face or hands while rubbing eyes also causes itchy eyes.

2. Foreign Body

A small object or fly falling in the eye usually causes intense itch and watery eye. Pulling the lower eyelid down, or inverting the upper eyelid up may help in location the object that can be then removed by a cotton stick. This procedure also helps in in-turned eyelash.

continue reading Itchy Eyes – Causes and Treatment

WHAT IS LASER EYE SURGERY?

Refractive or Laser Eye Surgery (LES) is a laser reshaping of cornea that changes its focusing power (1), (Picture 1 and 2). For patients with moderate refractive errors, this ambulatory procedure is a quick way to get free of glasses or contact lenses.

Picture 1. An eye doctor performing laser eye surgery
(source: whmc.af.mil)

COST OF LASER EYE SURGERY 

The cost of LES can vary widely but it is rarely under $1,000 per eye (2).

continue reading Corrective Laser Eye Surgery (LES): LASIK, LASEK, PRL, RLE