Eyelid laceration (cut in the skin)

Eyes | Ophthalmology | Eyelid laceration (cut in the skin) (Disease)


Description

Eyelid lacerations can be superficial or deep. Deep lacerations involving the tarsal plate require ophthalmologic repair. Eyelid lacerations that extend through the lid margin also require ophthalmologic repair.

Symptoms may include laceration of the eyelid, eye pain, blurry vision.

Causes and Risk factors

Numerous mechanisms of blunt and penetrating facial trauma may result in eyelid lacerations. Even seemingly innocuous blunt objects in the workplace can cause eyelid lacerations in experienced workers.

Eyelid lacerations may (1) involve the lid margin, requiring a meticulous suture technique; (2) be extramarginal; or (3) cause tissue loss.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Proper management includes the following: excluding any accompanying injury to the globe, excluding a foreign body, protecting the cornea, maintaining proper lid dynamics, and optimizing cosmesis.

Treatment may include:

(1) If the laceration is simple, as determined by your childs physician, the cut will be sutured (stitched). Local anesthetic drops may be placed in the eye and injected into the tissue prior to the suturing. The sutures will usually be taken out five to seven days after the injury.

(2) Sedation or general anesthesia may be needed for younger, uncooperative children.

(3) For larger lacerations, or if there is any involvement of the eye, an ophthalmologist may be consulted to evaluate and treat the wound. ...