Management of Eyelid Trauma

Eyelid trauma can result from many causes and result in many different types of injuries. Any time there is eye/eyelid trauma, the first plan of action is to make sure there has not been any damage to the eyeball. This is the first priority. Sometimes it is necessary to go to the operating room to rule out an eye injury. Once this has been done then the eyelids and surrounding areas can be evaluated.

Unfortunately, I have seen a significant amount of trauma in my career. Injuries ranging from dog bites to fishing hook injuries to fist fights. If you think that the eye can be injured during an activity-it probably has been. You always need to use common sense and carefully protect the eye and eyelid structures with safety glasses at all times. Participation in sports frequently produces periocular trauma.
Repair of eyelid trauma involves very careful assessment of the damage, loss of tissue and control of bleeding. Sometimes the tear duct drainage system is involved. Secondary procedures may be necessary. Most of the time CT scans or MRI scans are done prior to treatment. Trauma surgery requires a detailed knowledge of eyelid anatomy and function. Basic eyelid reconstruction techniques are followed to insure the best function and cosmetic appearance. This is where my training as an eyelid plastic surgeon is frequently challenged.

It is beyond the scope of this book to review all the myriad of surgical techniques of eyelid repair. My purpose with this short chapter was just to make you aware of another area that eyelid plastic surgeons often deal with.