Oculoplastic Surgery
Oculoplastic Surgery is sub specialty in medical field comprising the micro surgical elements of Ophthalmology with the art of Plastic Surgery. As an Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Schlessinger has advanced training making him uniquely qualified to treat the delicate skin of the eyelid and face.Specializing in the correction of drooped eyelids Dr. Schlessinger is often called upon to see the most challenging and difficult eyelid surgery cases. He performs corrective & revisional eyelid & facial surgery and reconstructive surgery for both trauma & cancer cases. A true eyelid specialist, Dr. Schlessinger places particular emphasis on restoring and preserving the function and beauty of the eyes, the goal being to give you the most natural results possible.
Ptosis is typically caused by weakening or slippage of the muscles that elevates the eyelid. When the eyelid is droopy, there is often compensatory forehead and brow lifting to improve vision. With prolonged effort, you may notice fatigue with prolonged reading, working on the computer, driving or other daily activities. Patients sometimes complain of a headache or tightness in the forehead which may be caused by excessive lifting of the brows.
Ptosis present at birth is called Congenital Ptosis. It is typically caused by a maldevelopment of the levator muscle. In mild cases of Ptosis, the lid droops only slightly. In moderate to severe cases, the lid may partially or completely cover the pupil. This, of course, will affect the child's ability to view the world. This makes prompt diagnosis and treatment of Congenital Ptosis crucial for normal visual development.
Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards. It is one of the notable aspects of newborns exhibiting Harlequin type ichthyosis. The condition can be repaired surgically.
Entropion is a medical condition in which the eyelids fold inward. It is very uncomfortable, as the eyelashes rub against the cornea constantly. Entropion is usually caused by genetic factors and may be congenital. Treatment is a simple surgery in which excess skin of the outer lids is removed. Prognosis is excellent if surgery is performed before the cornea is damaged.
Skin cancers can form on eyelids, at the eyelid margins, at the inner corner of the eyes, and on the upper cheeks. If a growth on the eyelid does not disappear after several weeks, a biopsy should be performed. The growth is usually removed surgically. Eyelid tumors sometimes mimic other eye disorders such as blepharitis and chalazion so these growths should be watched and treated quickly.
If a growth proves to be cancerous, Dr. Schlessinger is able to treat them surgically on an out-patient basis, usually right in our Woodbury office. Dr. Schlessinger removes the cancerous lesion and performs aesthetic repair of the site in the same day. He is dedicated to restoring and preserving the function and the beauty of your eyes.
There are many types of eye emergencies and ocular trauma. At Schlessinger Eye & Face we can provide the unique management of these injuries by providing both functional and cosmetic reconstruction - all under one roof. Dr. Schlessinger’s combined expertise of Neuro-Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic Surgery ensures that you will receive the best possible result in having the normal function and aesthetic appearance of your eyes restored.
The eyelids play a key role in protecting the eyes. They sweep away debris when the eyes close and help spread moisture (tears) over the surface of the eyes when they open. The eyelids provide a physical barrier against injury by closing rapidly when needed. Tears are produced constantly by the lacrimal gland, located under the upper eyelid.
Tears are essential because they form a thin film that coats the front surface of the eye and prevents it from becoming dry. Normally, tears are quickly drained from the eye through a complex system of channels that lead from the inner corner of the eyelids into the nose. This system of channels is called the lacrimal drainage system.
Tearing disorders may be due to irritation of the eye or disorder of the drainage system. A simple test performed in our office can determine the cause of a tearing disorder.
Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland and drain through tiny channels in the eyelids called canaliculi. From the canaliculi, the tears drain through the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct into the lower part of the nose. There can be too much tear production or a blocked tear outflow system. The consequences of excess tearing from a blocked tear duct include persistent blurred vision, tears running down the cheek and chronic red eye.
In order to determine the degree of obstruction and the site of blockage, Dr. Schlessinger will flush the tear ducts with saline. Flushing the system is a simple in office procedure and causes no discomfort. For some patients there is relief of the symptoms – but for most this is only temporarily requiring additional care. Surgery is necessary to treat those with severe obstruction of the tear ducts, or those who have repeated infections of the system. The operation required is called Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), in which a new channel is created to allow tears to drain into the nose again. Specific operations depend on the site of obstruction. A DCR is a ‘same day’ procedure performed at our ambulatory facility.
A chalazion is an enlargement of an oil gland deep in the eyelid caused by an obstruction of the gland's opening.
At first, a chalazion looks and feels like a stye: swollen eyelid, mild pain, and irritation. However, these symptoms disappear after 1 or 2 days, leaving a round, painless swelling in the eyelid that grows slowly for the first week. Occasionally, the swelling continues to grow and may press on the eyeball and cause slight blurring. A red or gray area may develop on the underside of the eyelid.
Most chalazions disappear without treatment within 2 to 8 weeks. If hot compresses are applied several times a day, chalazions may disappear sooner. If they remain after this time or if they cause vision changes, a doctor can drain them or inject a corticosteroid. Antibiotics are usually not an effective means of treatment.
If you think you may have a chalazion, you should schedule an appointment so that Dr. Schlessinger may confirm diagnosis and treatment.
