Dermatochalasis

Dermatochalasis is a condition where the upper eyelid tissue begins to droop.

The most common cause of dermatochalasis is aging, and it is common among men and women ages 40 and older.  As people age, the eyelids naturally lose elasticity, causing an excessive eyelid tissue droopiness.  Stress and trauma can accelerate this process.

Dermatochalasis is typically treated surgically with a procedure called blepharoplasty.  During this procedure, the excessive, droopy tissue is removed resulting in a more natural eyelid appearance.  For some patients, this procedure can improve peripheral vision as the eyelids are no longer drooping in to view.

If you, or a loved one, are bothered by droopy eyelids, schedule an appointment now.

Dr. Bradley J. Wicklund - Optometrist

20/20 Visions, LLC

100 Carr Road

Plymouth, WI 53073

(920) 893-3937

bwicklund@20-20visions.com

www.20-20visions.com

Strabismus

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other.  It typically involves a lack of coordination between the ocular muscles, preventing the gaze of each eye to match up.  This can affect binocular vision and depth perception.  Strabismus is often referred to as a "lazy eye", but other names include "crossed eye", "cock eye", or "wall-eyed".

Etiology

Strabismus can be caused when the cranial nerves 3, 4 or 6 are not working properly.  A brain lesion affecting these nerves results in lack of eye muscle control causing an abnormal eye turn.  Strabismus may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, and cranial nerve 6 is particularly susceptible to damage from excessive intracranial pressure or trauma.

Diagnosis

Strabismus can be diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist during an eye examination with a cover test.  A person has an eye turn if their eyes cannot maintain fixation while covering one eye and then the other.  Depending on how the eyes move during the cover test, a diagnosis of exotropia (eyes deviate away from the midline), esotropia (eyes deviate toward the midline) or hypertropia (eyes deviate above or below midline) can be determined.

Onset

Strabismus can start at any time in life.  Many infants are born with their eyes misaligned.  Trauma, such as a car accident, can initiate strabismus.  There are also many pathological diseases that can also cause strabismus, including diabetes mellitus or a stroke.

Treatment

Mild varieties of strabismus can often be treated with vision therapy or an eye patch, but more advanced cases of strabismus often require surgical intervention to realign the eyes.  Glasses with prism can also help with double vision related to strabismus.  Early treatment of strabismus can reduce the chance of reduced vision in the misaligned eye (amblyopia).  Most children can recover from amblyopia if the condition is diagnosed and treated prior the age of 10.

If you think you or a family member has strabismus, schedule an eye exam with a local provider when possible.

Dr. Bradley J. Wicklund - Optometrist

20/20 Visions, LLC

100 Carr Road

Plymouth, WI 53073

(920) 893-3937

bwicklund@20-20visions.com

www.20-20visions.com