Champion Helps Surgeons Help Patients With Hooded Eyes

Probably every ophthalmologist and most eye specialists know what “hooded eyes” are, but most insurance companies consider surgeries to fix the issue a cosmetic procedure. This means they won’t cover the cost, so many patients are left to suffer with something they don’t find aesthetically pleasing — and something that can possibly affect their quality of life.

Insurance companies might provide coverage for upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, when it is considered medically essential to address a condition that obstructs vision. For example, if the surplus skin on the upper eyelids is limiting a person’s peripheral vision and hindering their ability to engage in everyday tasks such as driving or reading, the surgery could be eligible for coverage.

This blog examines two different conditions often lumped together as “hooded eyes,” the causes of drooping eyelids, and some preventative measures.

The Difference Between Congenital Hooded Eyes and Acquired

Hooded eyes can be categorized into two main types — congenital hooded eyes and acquired hooded eyes.

Congenital hooded eyes are present from birth. The upper eyelids have a natural, excess fold of skin that creates a hooded appearance. Congenital hooded eyes are typically a result of genetic factors. If one or both parents have hooded eyes, there is a higher chance their children will inherit this trait.

Acquired hooded eyes develop over time, often due to aging or other external factors. The eyelids may start to droop, creating a hooded look that was not present earlier in life. This type is commonly caused by the natural aging process, when the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag. Other factors can include significant weight changes, sun exposure, smoking, and certain medical conditions that affect the skin and connective tissues.

Both types of hooded eyes can impact vision and may be addressed surgically if they cause significant functional issues.

The Difference Between Dermatochalasis and Ptosis

The medical term for hooded eyes is “dermatochalasis.” This condition involves the presence of excess skin on the upper eyelids, which can create a hooded appearance. Dermatochalasis can affect vision if the excess skin drapes over the eyelashes and blocks the visual field, and it can also contribute to a tired or aged look. This condition happens mostly due to genes and aging. 

Although this condition is often also called droopy eyelids, heavy-lidded eyes, folded eyelids, or “ptosis,” dermatochalasis and ptosis are two distinct conditions that affect the eyelids. They each have different causes and characteristics.

All About Dermatochalasis:

Again, dermatochalasis refers to excess skin and tissue on the upper or lower eyelids that can result in a droopy or baggy appearance. It is commonly caused by the natural aging process, which leads to the loss of skin elasticity. Other factors include genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits such as smoking.

The primary symptoms include redundant skin that hangs over the eyelids, which can obscure vision, especially in the upper field of vision. It can also cause a tired or aged appearance. Treatment typically involves blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure to remove the excess skin and fat.

All About Ptosis:

Ptosis, or blepharoptosis, refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid itself, which can cover part or all of the eye. It is a condition where the eyelid margin is abnormally low. Ptosis can be congenital or acquired. Acquired ptosis can result from aging, trauma, or neurological conditions that affect the muscles or nerves controlling the eyelid.

The main symptom is a drooping eyelid that can block vision and cause difficulty in keeping the eyes open. It may also lead to eye strain and headaches. Treatment for ptosis often involves surgery to tighten the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid or, in some cases, to repair the nerve or muscle damage.

While both conditions can cause a droopy appearance of the eyelids, dermatochalasis is due to excess skin and tissue, whereas ptosis involves the actual drooping of the eyelid margin itself.

What Can I Do About My Hooded Eyes?

Though “fixing” hooded eyes will likely need some sort of medical intervention, there are natural strategies to help prevent the acquired condition from occurring or the congenital condition from progressing. 

These include: 

• Regular Exercise
• Sun Protection
• Adequate Hydration
• Eye Massage
• Healthy Diet
• Sufficient Sleep

Each of these strategies are helpful for the human body and holistic health, so it won’t hurt to engage in them on a regular basis. However, if a person’s hooded eyes are getting worse and a patient wants surgery to fix the issue (whether plastic surgery or insurance-covered surgery to restore vision), you need to keep reading.

The Must-Have Medical Chair for Eye Surgeries

How a patient is positioned is critical to ophthalmological surgery success. That’s where the right seating comes into play. Medical furniture design is increasingly embracing multi-purpose, person-centric seating. One key example is the stretcher-chair, an innovative device that allows patients to remain on one surface from prep to operation to recovery.

Perfect for any neck-up procedures and a must-have in ophthalmic settings, Champion’s TMM5 PLUS serves as an intake chair, a transport device, and a procedure chair. By reducing transfers, enhancing patient comfort, and streamlining workflows, these medical procedure chairs are an investment in better healthcare delivery. 

Watch this short video to see our TMM5 PLUS Procedure Chair in action. Investing in this medical seating product is a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the ultimate goal of every healthcare provider — to offer the best possible care to every patient, every time.

To view our entire portfolio of products, browse our digital catalog. Then, request a quote for your facility.