Tarsorrhaphy is a surgical procedure in which the eyelids are partially sewn together to narrow the eyelid opening. It may be done to protect the cornea in cases of corneal exposure, as a treatment for proptosis such as in Graves ophthalmopathy or Mobius syndrome, or other conditions causing eyelid paralysis, and it is also used to allow or promote corneal healing after corneal injuries and lesions. The procedure may be temporary or permanent.
Facts
FAQs
How long does a temporary tarsorrhaphy stay in place?
Usually weeks rather than months; ideally the cornea heals within about 2 weeks.
A temporary tarsorrhaphy is meant for a short period of disease or exposure, while the cornea heals. The ophthalmology reference EyeWiki says the effects of traditional suturing techniques last from 2 to 8 weeks, and that ideally a temporary tarsorrhaphy promotes healing within 2 weeks and can be removed at that time. A permanent tarsorrhaphy is the choice when long-term closure is needed.
Can a tarsorrhaphy be done with an injection instead of stitches?
Yes. Botulinum toxin can create a temporary protective lid droop without stitches.
Yes, in one form. A neurotoxin tarsorrhaphy uses an injection of botulinum toxin to relax the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid, which creates a protective drooping of the lid. EyeWiki describes this as a safe and effective temporary tarsorrhaphy that also makes slit-lamp examination of the eye easier, and reports typical doses of 5 to 15 units injected into the levator muscle. This describes the technique as published and is not medical advice.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Tarsorrhaphy (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsorrhaphy, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsorrhaphy, lead section
Tarsorrhaphy is a surgical procedure in which the eyelids are partially sewn together to narrow the eyelid opening.
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