How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions
You sleep well at night, exercise often, and maintain a positive outlook. But no matter what you do, your eyes still appear sad or tired. If you notice your eyelids still do not open fully after using your eye muscles to widen them, there is a strong chance that ptosis is to blame. Ptosis (pronounced toe-sis ) is short for blepharoptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid in one or both eyes do not open to their full and proper position. Ptosis can occur congenitally, but is more commonly a symptom of aging. The muscle that holds the upper eyelid in place can slip back as we age, affecting people in their 30s and upwards. The muscle may also weaken due to styes/ chalazions, or trauma. In moderate to severe cases, individuals often choose to correct their persistent “droopy” look. Occasionally ptosis can be due to a condition called Horner’s syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or a nerve palsy which results from a disruption of the neurologic signal to the eyelid. In the case of Horner’s syndrome, the pupil on the involved side is typically smaller and the patient has a reduction of sweating on the forehead on the same side. Before considering any form of repair, a comprehensive history and physical exam are required to determine the etiology of the ptosis. Different etiologies frequently require different approaches. For those seeking a non-surgical solution for ptosis, we have found the Upneeq brand of prescription eye drops effective in providing temporary relief. As mentioned in the October 2024 edition of this newsletter, these “Cinderella Eye Muscle Mastery
SOLUTIONS TO SAGGY EYELIDS
Drops” contain a gentle dose of oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which typically tightens the affected upper eyelid muscles and elevates upper eyelid position for up to eight hours. If a patient’s ptosis is severe enough to affect their appearance or daily activities such as driving or reading, surgery is often the best course of action. The most common procedure to correct ptosis involves tightening the muscle internally to return it to its original position. The main advantage of this procedure is it can be done without leaving an external scar and rarely results in any problems with eyelid closure. Complications are rare from the surgery, but can include an over-correction, or under-correction, contour asymmetry, difficulty closing of the eye, and ocular dryness from having a larger surface area to keep lubricated once the ptosis is repaired.
The cause of ptosis can range from typical age- related weakening, to an underlying neurologic or muscle condition, therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by an eyelid specialist is essential to identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment. If you’re done dealing with your droopy eyelids, please contact us today to put your eyelids — and your look — back where they belong.
Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS •
DIRECTIONS 1. Cut roast in half. In a small bowl, combine oregano, ginger, and pepper; rub over pork. In a large skillet coated with oil, brown roast on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker; add onions. 2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup
1 boneless pork sirloin roast (3–4 pounds) 2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp ground ginger
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1 tsp pepper
2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges 1 cup plus 3 tbsp orange juice, divided
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orange juice, sugar, grapefruit juice, steak sauce, and soy sauce; pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat and onions to a platter.
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1 tbsp sugar
“Braille is knowledge, and knowledge is power.” –Louis Braille
1 tbsp grapefruit juice 1 tbsp steak sauce
1 tbsp reduced- sodium soy sauce
3. Transfer cooking juices to a small saucepan. Add orange zest and salt. Bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and remaining orange juice. Gradually stir into the pan for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pork and noodles.
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1 tsp grated orange zest
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1 tsp salt
3 tbsp cornstarch Egg noodles, cooked
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