Tarsorrhaphy

Overview

Tarsorrhaphy is a medical procedure where the eyelids are partially sewn together to protect the eye. This treatment is used to help heal the surface of the eye or prevent further damage, especially in conditions where the eye cannot close properly. It can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient’s condition. Tarsorrhaphy is commonly recommended when other treatments fail to protect the eye effectively. Despite sounding alarming, it is a well-established and safe procedure often used to save vision and improve comfort.

Why Tarsorrhaphy is Required?

When the eyelids cannot close fully, exposing the eye to dryness or injury.

To protect the cornea in conditions like facial nerve paralysis or severe dry eye.

During recovery after certain eye surgeries or trauma.

For patients in intensive care who can’t blink or close their eyes properly.

In non-healing corneal ulcers or exposure keratopathy.

To reduce damage in eye diseases that lead to eye surface drying.

Key Advantages of Tarsorrhaphy Treatment

Shields the cornea from dryness, dust, and injury.

Reduces eye pain and irritation caused by exposure.

Helps heal persistent corneal ulcers.

Prevents vision loss due to corneal damage.

Can be temporary or reversible as per patient needs.

Simple and low-risk compared to more invasive treatments.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Tarsorrhaphy Treatment

Discuss all symptoms and eye conditions with your eye specialist.

Share any current medications or allergies with your doctor.

You may need an eye exam and tear production tests before the procedure.

Arrange for someone to accompany you to the hospital on the day of surgery.

Avoid applying any eye makeup or creams before surgery.

Follow fasting or medication instructions if sedation is planned.

How Tarsorrhaphy Treatment is Performed?

It is usually done under local anesthesia or mild sedation.

The surgeon carefully sews part of the upper and lower eyelids together.

Only a small section is stitched, often at the outer (lateral) corner.

Sutures (stitches in eye) are placed to keep the eye partially or fully shut.

The procedure can be reversed later in temporary cases.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

1. Before the procedure:

A complete eye exam and assessment of the corneal health.

Instructions on medications and what to expect during recovery.

2. During the procedure:

Local anesthesia is given to numb the eyelid area.

Eyelid is partially closed with fine stitches.

The procedure is short and typically lasts 15–30 minutes.

3. After the procedure:

Mild discomfort or swelling for a few days.

Eye drops or ointment may be prescribed to aid healing.

Vision might be limited due to the partially closed eyelid.

Follow-up visit to check healing and remove stitches if temporary.

Risk and Potential Complications

Mild pain or swelling after the procedure.

Temporary blurred vision or discomfort.

Rare chance of infection at the suture site.

Eyelid asymmetry or tightness if not done properly.

Scarring in permanent tarsorrhaphy (though rare).

Allergic reaction to local anesthetic (very rare).

Results/Outcomes

Most patients experience relief from eye dryness and pain.

The cornea is better protected and can heal faster.

Vision is often preserved in high-risk patients.

Temporary tarsorrhaphy can be reversed once the eye improves.

The success rate is high, especially when done early.