What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Baggy Eyes
• Droopy Eyelids

What is Dermatochalasis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Dermatochalasis is a skin condition describing the loosening of eyelid skin
• It more commonly affects the upper eyelid, though it can also affect the lower eyelid
• Dermatochalasis can cause decreased peripheral vision and manifest as tiredness around the eyes
• It can be viewed as a cosmetic issue, as the condition even makes the face appear tired

Incidence:

• While Dermatochalasis more commonly occurs with advancing age, it can affect children at birth too (Congenital Dermatochalasis)
• The condition is seen worldwide, and no racial/ethnic preference is noted

Risk factors:

• The risk factors for Dermatochalasis include older age, heredity and genetic predisposition, the male gender, a higher body mass index (BMI), lighter skin color, and smoking
• Other conditions causing Dermatochalasis include connective tissue disorders, thyroid eye disease, idiopathic inflammation of the eyelids (blepharochalasis), or previous surgical procedure

Cause:

• Dermatochalasis develops as age weakens the connective tissue and decreases skin elasticity, leading to excess skin and fat on the face
• Gravity also begins to affect the skin in a more prominent manner

Signs and symptoms:

• Baggy look around the eyes
• Irritation around the eyes
• Eyelash interference
• Eyelid inflammation

Diagnosis:

• When seeking diagnosis, a proper eye exam is important
• Additionally, it is essential to explore if and underlying disease is the cause of Dermatochalasis
• It is important to differentiate Dermatochalasis from ptosis, which is a weakening of the eyelid muscle, resulting in droopy eyelids

Treatment:

The treatments of Dermatochalasis include temporary and permanent solutions.

• A temporary solution is the use of eyelid tape, to hold back the eyelids in their normal position. Surgery may offer a permanent solution
• Blepharoplasty, or eye lift, is a procedure that removes excess skin from around the eye and then reattaching the remaining skin to the connective tissue
• The procedure has been reported to improve one’s visual fields (the surrounding area seen when the focus of vision is fixed at a point)

Prevention:

• Not over-washing the face
• Avoiding rubbing the eyes
• Keeping the skin well moisturized
• Use of sunscreen and sunglasses to lessen the sun’s effect on skin aging
• Avoiding smoking and excessive drinking

Prognosis:

• The prognosis of Dermatochalasis differs depending on the individual’s case
• With proper diagnosis and effective treatment, the outcomes are largely good