See the oculoplastic surgeon in our Melbourne facilities for relief from drooping eyelids and watery eyes

Oculoplastics is a subspecialty of ophthalmology covering disorders of the eyelids, lacrimal (tear) system, orbit (eye socket), and the facial features around the eyes. At Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic, our oculoplastic surgeon receives patient referrals from across Melbourne and rural Victoria. Most patients come through their optometrist or GP, and referrals can be sent using our electronic referral form.

Eyelid and tear duct conditions we treat

Our oculoplastic surgery covers the eyelids, tear ducts and surrounding tissue. These are the eyelid conditions we see most often.

Drooping upper eyelid (ptosis). The lid sits low and can block the top of your field of vision. Surgery repositions the muscle that lifts it.
Out-turned lower eyelid (ectropion). The lower eyelid falls away from the eye and stops protecting the surface.
In-turned eyelid (entropion). The lid rolls inward, and the lashes rub on the cornea.
Watery eye (epiphora). Tears spill over instead of draining. The cause may be dry eye, a poorly positioned lid, or a blockage in the tear ducts.
Styes and chalazia. Eyelid lumps. Most settle on their own; larger ones can be drained or removed.
Eyelid lesions and skin cancers. Suspicious spots are assessed, removed where appropriate, and the area repaired.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Excess skin on the upper or lower eyelid is removed or repositioned.

Not every condition needs surgery. Some are monitored or managed with drops and lid care. Your options are discussed once you have been assessed.

Watery Eyes

Also known as epiphora, the overflow of tears from the eye can be an ongoing problem. Counterintuitively, many cases are due to dry eye: as the tear film thins, the exposed cornea triggers the lacrimal gland to release more tears.

Poor eyelid positioning or a blockage in the tear duct system can also cause epiphora. Tears drain only when the eyelids sit properly against the eye and blinking moves tears towards the puncta at the inner corners. Loose eyelids, weak blinking or blockages in the nasolacrimal ducts prevent normal drainage.

Our Melbourne rooms are equipped for lacrimal surgery where appropriate, or for comprehensive dry eye management with referral to our dry eye clinic at Eye Laser Specialists in Armadale.

Eyelid Lumps and Bumps

The most common lumps of the eyelid are harmless, though some patients are bothered by their appearance. Styes and chalazia often resolve over weeks without intervention, but large or persistent ones may need surgical drainage and excision. These can usually be done at the first consultation under topical anaesthesia.

Our oculoplastic specialist also manages malignant tumours of the eyelids, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Some of these cancers can spread if left untreated, which is why suspicious lesions are assessed promptly. After excision, some patients need reconstructive surgery around the orbit, carried out by an ophthalmologist with oculoplastic subspecialty training.

Eyelid Disorders

Poor eyelid position and function can cause chronic irritation, red eyes, visual impairment and, in severe cases, permanent corneal scarring.

Ectropion is the outward drooping of the lower eyelid; entropion is the inward turning of the eyelid. Ectropion fails to cover and protect the eye’s surface, while entropion brings the eyelash line into contact with the cornea. Ptosis is the involuntary drooping of the upper eyelid, which in severe cases can hinder vision. These conditions are often addressed with surgery to correct the eyelid position.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Our surgeons

Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic is a private practice with over 10 years’ experience. Our surgeons are associated with The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, across its cataract, retinal and glaucoma units, and also practise at Eye Laser Specialists and Armadale Eye Clinic.

Oculoplastic work sits inside a practice covering general and subspecialty ophthalmology. Cataract, glaucoma, retinal and corneal conditions are all managed here. That matters, because eyelid problems rarely arrive on their own: a watery eye may turn out to be dry eye, and a drooping eyelid is often picked up during assessment for cataract surgery.

What happens at your appointment

Your appointment begins with a complete eye examination, not just a look at the eyelid. Vision is checked, the eye surface is assessed, and eyelid position and movement are measured. Where a watery eye is the problem, tests find where the blockage sits.

Your surgeon will then explain the cause, whether surgery is likely to help, and what the alternatives are. Small procedures such as draining a chalazion can often be done at the first consultation using topical anaesthetic, with a mild sedative available for anxious patients. Larger procedures are booked for a later date. All surgery carries risk and outcomes differ between individuals.

Closing

To arrange an assessment with our oculoplastic surgeon, contact Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.