It’s hard for most people to imagine how their eyelashes could scratch their eyes, but it’s an everyday reality for people with epiblepharon. This condition mainly occurs in children and is caused by the lower eyelid skin pushing the eyelashes against the eye. As a result, the lashes can interfere with vision and cause discomfort as they touch the ocular surface. Dr. Scott likens the eyelid to a sandwich with a piece of bread on either side. Epiblepharon occurs when the front layer of skin and muscle on the lower eyelid doesn’t properly adhere to the back portion of the eyelid. An extra fold appears in the lower eyelid, pushing the lashes upward and posteriorly toward the eye. The condition is typically genetic and usually occurs in Asian, Hispanic, and Native American children. Although it is rare, epiblepharon can occasionally occur in the upper eyelid as well. The good news is that the condition is asymptomatic in most children. Even better, they tend to grow out of it and don’t require surgery. But in a small number of cases, epiblepharon continues into adulthood and causes significant eye discomfort or damage. When severe enough, epiblepharon can cause the vertical eyelashes to scratch against the cornea. Patients can How Treatment Can Help Epiblepharon Causes Persistent Eye Discomfort
experience eye pain, redness, itching, watering, discharge, and sensitivity to light. It is common for individuals with this condition to have tried multiple home remedies before having their problem correctly diagnosed. They use eye drops and ointments, carry tissues everywhere, and wear sunglasses. Unfortunately, many doctors are unfamiliar with this condition or don’t realize that treatment is available. But when the condition does not improve spontaneously, an eyelid surgery can be performed to correct the problem and dramatically improve the patient’s quality of life. Dr. Scott’s preferred method of epiblepharon correction involves making a small incision underneath the eyelashes and removing a very small “banana shaped” strip of skin and muscle. The wound is then sutured closed thereby reducing the extra lower eyelid fold, and this returns the eyelashes to a more standard position. Complications from this surgery are very rare. If you suspect you have epiblepharon and experience chronic symptoms, you don’t have to live with this condition. You deserve to live a life free of eye discomfort and pain. Call Eye Plastic Associates to schedule a consultation at which Dr. Scott will assess your situation and determine the best path forward.
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
INGREDIENTS • 6 1/2 cups potatoes, cut into large chunks • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, sliced • 1 tbsp flour • 2 large carrots, cut into rounds • 1/2 cauliflower, broken into florets
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced • 1 sprig rosemary • 15-oz can diced tomatoes plus liquid • 1/2 cup water • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas • Milk, to desired consistency
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DIRECTIONS
1. In a pot, boil potatoes until tender. 2. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add carrots, cauliflower, garlic, and rosemary and stir until softened. 3. Pour tomatoes into mix and add water. Cover and let
simmer for 10 minutes, then remove lid and cook for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and simmer. 4. Drain and mash potatoes. Stir in milk to desired consistency. 5. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spoon hot vegetable mix into pie dish, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until top is golden brown.
“Family faces are like magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future.” –Gail Lumet Buckley
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