Mike Ford

Dr. Mike Ford, an ophthalmologist at DeHaven Eye Clinic, leads this week’s Walk with a Doc event on Thursday and will discuss dermatochalasis and ptosis —conditions that affect vision. Walk With a Doc is a project of the Smith County Medical Society and is held at Rose Rudman Park at Copeland Road. Registration is at 5:45 p.m. with a brief health presentation at 6 p.m. followed by walking. For more information on Walk With a Doc, call the Smith County Medical Society office at 903-593-7058 or visit www.walkwithadoc.org/our-locations/tyler-tx/.

 

Q: What is dermatochalasis and how can it affect your vision?

A: Dermatochalasis is a common condition where excess skin hanging down onto and sometimes over the edges of a person’s eyelids blocks part of their peripheral vision and makes it difficult for them to keep their eyes open without becoming tired.

 

Q: What is ptosis and how can it affect your vision?

A: Ptosis is a condition where the edges of the eyelids sit lower than normal, blocking part of a person’s peripheral vision and making it hard for them to see well without using their fingers to raise them up out of the way.

 

Q: How are dermatochalasis and ptosis treated?

A: Dermatochalasis is treated by removing the excess skin so that it doesn’t hang over the edges of the eyelids, and ptosis is treated by raising the eyelids and removing excess skin from them at the same time.

 

Q: Is eyelid surgery always cosmetic, and does insurance ever pay for it?

A: Eyelid surgery is not always cosmetic and insurance will pay for it if testing shows that it needs to be done in order to improve a person’s peripheral vision.

— Coshandra Dillard