2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
7 Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery
Part II: Periocular Soft Tissues
Chapter 12: Periocular Malpositions and Involutional Changes
Involutional Periorbital Changes
Dermatochalasis
Dermatochalasis refers to redundancy of eyelid skin and is often associated with orbital fat prolapse (see Fig 12-17). Though more common in elderly patients, dermatochalasis also occurs in middle-aged persons, particularly if there is a familial predisposition. It may also accompany true ptosis of the upper eyelids.
Patients with significant dermatochalasis of the upper eyelids may report a heavy feeling around the eyes, brow-ache, eyelashes in the visual axis, and reduction in the superior visual field. Dermatochalasis is often exacerbated by brow ptosis. Lower eyelid dermatochalasis is considered a cosmetic issue unless the excess skin and prolapsed fat are so severe that the patient cannot be fitted with bifocals.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 10 - Glaucoma. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.