Pediatric Conditions

Just as with adults, children can be affected by several issues that involve the tear ducts, eyelids, and orbital region. Oculoplastic surgery can address these problems by not only restoring visual function but restoring appearance.

While it is common for some younger children to develop ocular conditions that eventually resolve on their own, persistent and/or severe cases of these conditions will require a procedure to correct them.

Common pediatric conditions requiring oculoplastic surgery include:

• Congenital Tear Duct Obstruction – Tearing and/or discharge in one or both eyes that occurs shortly after birth. This condition is often treated medically but may require surgery to open the tear duct in cases that fail to resolve spontaneously after 1 year of age.
• Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis) –Pediatric eyelid ptosis is usually congenital and presents itself shortly after birth, although surgery may not be performed until between 3 and 5 years of age. However, persistent or severe drooping may need to be addressed earlier to ensure development of normal vision.
• Tumors – Children can develop both benign and malignant tumors around and behind the eye, both of which require urgent attention to delineate urgency of treatment.

Other issues that may require oculoplastic surgery include:

• Matting together of the eyelids upon waking
• Swelling next to the nose and lower eyelid
• Swelling above the eyes or on the outside corner of the eye
• Bulging of the eye
• Displacement of the eye
• Bruising around the eyelids