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ODs offer surgery alternatives for floppy eyelid syndrome
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PHILADELPHIA – Although surgery is the definitive treatment for patients with floppy eyelid syndrome, a primary care optometrist can suggest some alternatives, according to William Townsend, OD, who presented a lecture titled “The Non-Infectious Red Eye – You Make the Call” with Christopher J. Quinn, OD, FAAO, at the Primary Care Optometry News Symposium.
Dr. Townsend said 25% of people have nocturnal lagophthalmos, especially those with floppy eyelid syndrome. “These people typically sleep on their stomachs,” he said. “Their eyelids rub on their pillows and they flip inside out. Of course, it’s miserable. This sounds strange, but I got this from an ear, nose and throat doctor. They can sew a tennis ball or half a tennis ball in their pajamas. When they roll over, they’ll roll back over.”
Dr. Townsend said these patients also can use Fox shields at night.
Dr. Quinn also suggested press-on lid weights and taping lids at night.
A few people from the audience also said they would use swim goggles and moisture chambers as an alternative to surgery.