Why Tear Duct Obstructions Occur

Our eyes and their surrounding structures are incredibly complex, filled with tissues, nerves, glands, and other essential components that must work together in order to properly function. The tear system can be broken down into several structures.

The tears are produced and secreted by the lacrimal gland. Following this, they pass through the lacrimal punctums located on the inner corner of the eyelid. The tears then pass through the lacrimal canals into the lacrimal sac. After this step, the tears are drained through the nasolacrimal duct and into the nose.

A common issue that can occur with the lacrimal system is something known as tear duct obstruction. This issue prevents the drainage of the tears into the nose. If the tears cannot be properly drained, tearing of the eyes may occur. Without a place to go, some of these tears may remain trapped within the eyelid. These stagnant tears can lead to an infection of the eye.

Tear duct obstructions can occur for a variety of reasons. Elderly patients may experience a narrowing of the lacrimal canals known as involutional stenosis, and this can affect drainage of tears. Sinus disease can also lead to tear duct obstructions, as can trauma to the area. It may also be a congenital issue. In fact, roughly 7% of infants are diagnosed with a tear duct obstruction at birth.

Treatments for tear duct obstructions vary depending on the age of the patient, the primary cause of the issue, and the extent of the issue. Tear duct massages can be beneficial, but a probing of the tear duct may be required. If the issue is severe, a procedure known as a dacryocystorhinostomy may need to be performed.

If you are experiencing any tearing issues, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and will formulate a treatment plan based on your unique needs.

Preventing Eyelid Skin Cancer

Now that the summer season is here, you will most likely be spending a lot of your time out under the sun at the beach and by the pool. It is during the summer that practicing proper sun protection is most important. You should be practicing proper sun safety throughout the year, but the increase in outdoor activity during the summer places your skin at an even higher risk of potential damage.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and roughly 90% of all non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. One area that is highly susceptible to non-melanoma skin cancer is the eyelids. This includes basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common types of skin cancer.

These types of skin cancer have a low risk of metastasizing, but a number of other issues may occur due to sensitivity and significance of the surrounding tissues and structures. The ocular structures in the eyes may become severely damaged, and in some cases, blindness can occur.

Although it may be difficult, it is important to properly protect your eyelids. Applying sunscreen to the eyelids may be an issue because the product may get into your eyes and cause irritation. There are sunscreens available that are specifically designed for the eye area.

Wearing sunglasses can also help to protect your eyelid skin, but not all of them are designed the same, so it is important that you find a pair that offers the necessary amount of UV protection.

If you are in need of care for any issues regarding eyelid skin cancer, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Laquis.

Causes of Eyelid Sagging: Dermatochalasis

Sagging eyelids can lead to significant aesthetic and medical issues. They can give your eyes a constant tired and withered appearance that detracts from your natural beauty. Severely sagging eyelids can also impair your vision. If the sagging is severe, it can interfere with and limit your field of vision.

Dermatochalasis is one of the medical conditions that causes severe eyelid sagging. The condition is characterized by the presence of excess skin on the lower and upper eyelids. The condition occurs when the connective tissue that supports the eyelids begins to lose its elasticity.

This can be the result of the aging process; exposure to external factors like gravity, trauma, genetic factors; and as a result of systemic diseases like thyroid-associated orbitopathy, kidney failure, and connective tissue disorders.

Complications from dermatochalasis can be both aesthetic and functional. In terms of appearance, dermatochalasis produces baggy eyes with noticeable skin folds that give your eyes a dull and weary look. However, the aesthetic issues caused by dermatochalasis are not as concerning as the functionality issues it produces.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) has proven to be a highly effective solution for individuals suffering from dermatochalasis. The procedure improves your field of vision and your appearance and can be personalized to provide your required level of correction and to produce your desired results.

For help with diagnosing or treating dermatochalasis, please contact us to schedule a consultation with fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Laquis.

How Upper-Eyelid Rejuvenation Is Accomplished

When the upper eyelids begin to sag, it can affect both your appearance and your vision. Severe upper-eyelid sagging and the presence of excess skin on the upper eyelids can obscure your peripheral vision and can make normal tasks like reading and driving a source of significant strain on the eye.

What makes this issue worse is that it can occur as a result of the effects the natural aging process has on our tissues. The upper eyelids are particularly susceptible to the effects of aging, because they are the thinnest areas of skin tissue on the body. Additionally, because it is impossible to stop the aging process, upper-eyelid sagging will only become more severe over time if left untreated.

Upper-eyelid rejuvenation is the surgical correction of the upper eyelid. This surgery is also known as upper-eyelid blepharoplasty. The procedure is relatively quick and painless but must be performed by a qualified professional due to the sensitivity of the surgical area and the amount of precision the procedure demands.

The incisions used for the procedure will be well-hidden within the natural creases of the eyelid. Once the incisions are made, the excess tissue that is causing the eyelid to sag will be carefully removed. Sutures will be used to close the incisions in order to help the remaining eyelid skin heal properly for a natural, smooth, and youthful appearance.

Most patients will only need one or two weeks to recover from their upper-eyelid blepharoplasty procedure, but this will vary slightly between patients. Swelling and bruising is to be expected during the recovery period, but it can be managed using a cold compress and should subside within the two weeks.

If you are interested in upper-eyelid rejuvenation, contact our office to schedule a consultation with fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Laquis. Dr. Laquis has dedicated himself to understanding and performing expertly executed ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive procedures and has the skill required to deliver your desired results.

Miracle Treatment for Acne Scars

Did you suffer from acne as a child and now have deep scars, commonly referred to as ice pick scars? Historically, treatment of this type of scarring relied on an aggressive and painful treatment called dermabrasion. With innovations in technology, dermabrasion has been replaced with customized laser treatments. The Sciton Joule Laser platform offers innovative technology referred to as profractional resurfacing that is ideally suited to patients with acne scarring.

Sciton® ProFractional™ and ProFractional-XC™ fractionated laser resurfacing procedures offer dramatic results with minimal downtime. Ultimately enhancing the overall appearance of your skin, ProFractional™ therapy is commonly used on the face, neck, chest and hands to treat: Wrinkles. Acne Scars.

http://sciton.com/physicians/treatments-conditions/scars/

Our practice offers these treatments as in office procedures at very competitive rates. Downtime is variable and dependent on the depth of the treatment. Call our office today for a laser consult and to see if this treatment can help you put your best face forward.

How Do Nasolabial Folds Form and How Can I Reduce Their Appearance?

The nasolabial folds, commonly referred to as laugh lines or smile lines, are facial skin folds that extend from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. The nasolabial folds are a common feature of the face. They can become a noticeable aesthetic issue when factors like aging, gravity, and sun damage cause the nasolabial folds to become more prominent.

One of the main factors that can cause the formation of noticeable nasolabial folds is volume loss in the mid-face. Our cheeks need a certain amount of volume so that our faces look plump and have attractive contours.

Our bodies naturally produce a substance known as hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep our skin hydrated and maintains its plump appearance. As we age, our skin is not able to produce the same amount of hyaluronic acid, so it will then slowly begin to lose moisture and volume. This can cause the nasolabial folds to grow in depth and length, resulting in harsh folds that rob your face of its youthful and natural beauty.

The best treatment for reducing the appearance of the nasolabial folds is facial volume restoration using facial fillers. These facial fillers are usually a purified form of hyaluronic acid and are capable of providing your skin with the essential materials it needs to stay healthy, strong, and plump.

Treatment of your nasolabial folds with facial fillers will first involve a thorough examination to determine the extent of the issue. This is important because the facial fillers will vary in consistency and will thus produce different results. Deeper, more prominent folds will require a filler with a thick formula, while moderate volume loss can be easily addressed with filler like Juvederm or Restylane.

If you are bothered by the noticeable nasolabial folds on your face, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Laquis specializes in the use of facial fillers and can deliver exceptional results that are natural-looking and long-lasting.

Proud to Partner with Natalie’s Skin Solutions

Please welcome Natalie’s Skin Solutions to Coventry Square!  Their NEW NAPLES location is adjacent to our Naples office and offers a wide array of professional skincare and laser hair removal services. We are excited to partner with Natalie in offering our patients the best combination of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Consultations are FREE so please call Natalie today!

www.nataliesskinsolutions.com
239-936-SKIN
Offices in Fort Myers and Naples

Spring Flowers bring Education Hours

This week Dr. Laquis hosted 40 area Optometrists to his lovely Fort Myers office for an evening of education. Optometrists from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples enjoyed two hours of education on the latest advances in Oculoplastic surgery. It was a great night!

Understanding Eyelid Ptosis

The drooping of one or both of the eyelids is a medical condition known as ptosis. There are many factors that can cause eyelid ptosis.

Ptosis is most commonly caused by the effects of aging, gravity, and other external factors on the muscles and skin of the eyelids. Although you do not feel them, the muscles in your eyelids are being used constantly. Over time, these muscles become strained and tired, and their ability to perform their normal functions is significantly diminished. The skin will also stretch and become loose, which will exacerbate the issue. Because of these factors, ptosis is commonly seen in older adults.

Ptosis can occur in individuals of all ages as the result of other factors as well, including trauma, neurological issues, and a congenital defect. There are individuals born with weakened, malformed, or otherwise nonfunctional muscles and tendons in their eyelids, though these cases are rare.

Ptosis can only be an aesthetic issue for some, but those with more severe ptosis can encounter problems with their vision due to the eyelid obstructing their field of view. It is also possible for ptosis to be temporary or for it to appear and disappear in one or both eyes.

If you are experiencing ptosis and are growing concerned about your drooping eyelids, it is critical that you go to a highly trained medical professional for a proper diagnosis. Multiple tests may be performed in order to determine the exact cause of your ptosis so a proper treatment can be found.

Fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Laquis has valuable experience in procedures of the eyelids and can surgically correct ptosis. Once the eyelid is elevated and healed, there should be noticeable enhancement of your appearance, and your field of vision and the symmetry of your eyelids should be fully restored.

Contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Laquis will thoroughly examine the issue and discuss each step of the process with you to ensure you feel comfortable and cared for.

The Severity of Orbital Tumors

The orbit is a critical component of the eye. It is comprised of the socket in your skull where the eye rests, the eye itself, and everything contained in the socket. The orbit contains essential extraocular muscles that are responsible for eye movement, the opthalmic artery, and the opthalmic canal, which houses the optic nerve and cranial nerve. The orbit protects all the muscles and tissue inside of it from external harm or injury. It is so densely packed that even a small disturbance in the area can cause multiple complications with your eyes and vision. This is why any threat to the structure and health of the orbit should be taken seriously and must be properly diagnosed and addressed.

One of the most dangerous complications that can arise in the orbit is the formation of an orbital tumor. Orbital tumors can be malignant or benign. They can develop as a result of cancer in another area of the body or can develop completely on their own for unknown reasons.

An orbital tumor can cause a number of complications in the eyes and the surrounding nerves and tissue. People may experience changes in their vision or a loss of vision, a tingling sensation or feeling of numbness around the eye, and swelling or pain in the eye. If the tumor forms in the narrow section of the socket behind the eyeball, it can place an enormous amount of pressure on the eye and nerves and may even force the eye to bulge outward.

There are multiple types of orbital tumors. Some types occur mainly in children, while others are primarily found in adults. It is paramount that you visit a qualified professional for a proper diagnosis of your orbital tumor in order to ensure that you receive the proper treatment.

Dr. Stephen J. Laquis is a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon with specialized training in eyelid and orbital surgery and places a great deal of care and attention into properly diagnosing your condition. Dr. Laquis will thoroughly evaluate the issue and order a radiographic scan of the orbit in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. If you are in need of professional care for the diagnosis and treatment of your orbital tumor, contact our office to schedule a consultation.