Dermatochalasis
A condition characterized by excess skin in the upper or lower eyelids
Dermatochalasis[edit | edit source]
Dermatochalasis is a medical condition characterized by an excess of skin in the upper or lower eyelids. This condition is often associated with aging, but it can also be present in younger individuals due to genetic factors or other underlying conditions.
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Patients with dermatochalasis typically present with complaints of droopy eyelids, which can lead to visual field obstruction, especially in the upper visual field. The excess skin may also cause cosmetic concerns, as it can give the appearance of tiredness or aging.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
Dermatochalasis occurs due to a loss of elasticity in the skin and weakening of the connective tissues around the eyes. This can be exacerbated by factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and genetic predisposition. The condition is often bilateral, affecting both eyes.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of dermatochalasis is primarily clinical, based on the physical examination of the eyelids. An ophthalmologist or dermatologist may assess the degree of skin excess and its impact on the patient's vision. Visual field testing may be performed to determine the extent of visual impairment.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The primary treatment for dermatochalasis is surgical intervention, known as blepharoplasty. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the eyelids. Blepharoplasty can improve both the functional and cosmetic aspects of dermatochalasis.
Complications[edit | edit source]
If left untreated, dermatochalasis can lead to chronic irritation, difficulty in wearing glasses, and in severe cases, significant visual impairment. Post-surgical complications can include infection, scarring, and asymmetry.
Related Conditions[edit | edit source]
Dermatochalasis should be differentiated from ptosis, which is the drooping of the eyelid margin itself due to muscle weakness or nerve damage. Both conditions can coexist, and their management may require a combined surgical approach.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
