dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure that creates a new drainage pathway for tears. It is most commonly used when the normal tear drainage duct is blocked. By rerouting tear flow into the nose, it can reduce persistent watery eye and related infections. It is performed by eye surgeons (ophthalmologists), sometimes in collaboration with ENT specialists.

dermatochalasis is a condition where eyelid skin becomes loose and redundant (extra), most often on the upper lids. It is commonly related to aging changes in skin and supporting tissues. Clinicians use the term in eye exams, eyelid evaluations, and surgical planning. It may affect appearance, comfort, and sometimes the upper part of the visual field.

epiblepharon is an eyelid condition where a fold of skin and muscle pushes the eyelashes inward toward the eye. It most often affects the lower eyelids and is commonly noticed in infants and children. The inward-pointing lashes can rub on the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) and cause irritation. In eye clinics, epiblepharon is used as a diagnostic term and management framework for lash-related ocular surface symptoms.

distichiasis is a condition in which an extra row of eyelashes grows from an abnormal location along the eyelid margin. These lashes often emerge from the openings of the meibomian glands, which normally produce the oily layer of the tear film. distichiasis is most commonly discussed in eye clinics when evaluating irritation, tearing, or scratchy eye symptoms. It is also used as a diagnostic term in ophthalmology and optometry documentation and teaching.

trichiasis is a condition where one or more eyelashes grow or point inward toward the eye. The lashes can rub the conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the white of the eye) or the cornea (the clear front window of the eye). It is commonly discussed in eye clinics because it can cause irritation and damage to the ocular surface. The term is used by ophthalmologists, optometrists, and trainees when describing eyelid-margin problems.

lid retraction is an abnormal eyelid position where the upper lid sits too high or the lower lid sits too low. It can make more of the eye’s surface visible than usual, sometimes giving a “staring” appearance. Clinicians use the term as a clinical finding during eye exams and as a diagnosis that can affect comfort and vision. It is commonly discussed in thyroid eye disease, facial nerve problems, and after eyelid or orbital surgery.

ectropion is an eyelid condition where the eyelid turns outward (everts) away from the eye. It most often affects the lower eyelid and can expose the inner eyelid surface and the eye itself. The term is commonly used in ophthalmology and optometry to describe an eyelid malposition seen on examination. It matters because eyelid position helps protect the eye, spread tears, and drain tears normally.

entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward toward the eye. It most often affects the lower eyelid, but it can occur in the upper eyelid as well. When the lid turns in, eyelashes and skin can rub the eye’s surface. The term is commonly used in eye clinics to describe a specific eyelid malposition that may irritate the cornea and conjunctiva.

Mueller muscle resection is an eyelid surgery used to lift a droopy upper eyelid (ptosis). It works by shortening tissues on the inside of the upper eyelid, including Müller’s muscle. It is most commonly used for mild to moderate ptosis in selected patients. It is performed by ophthalmologists, often those specializing in oculoplastics.

levator advancement is a surgical technique used to lift a drooping upper eyelid (ptosis). It works by tightening or repositioning the eyelid’s main lifting structure, the levator muscle tendon (levator aponeurosis). It is commonly performed by ophthalmologists (often oculoplastic surgeons) in functional and cosmetic eyelid surgery settings. It may be done alone or combined with other eyelid procedures when appropriate.

ptosis surgery is an operation to lift a drooping upper eyelid (ptosis). It is commonly performed by ophthalmologists, often in oculoplastics (eyelid and orbit surgery). It may be done to improve the visual field, eyelid function, or eyelid position symmetry. The approach depends on the cause of ptosis and which eyelid-lifting structures are weak.

blepharoplasty is surgery on the eyelids to remove, reposition, or reshape eyelid tissues. It is commonly performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The goal may be functional (helping the eyelids work better) or cosmetic (changing appearance). It is used in ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery, and also in facial plastic surgery settings.

botulinum toxin for strabismus is an injectable medication used to temporarily weaken specific eye muscles. It is used to help realign the eyes when the eyes point in different directions (strabismus). It is most commonly used in ophthalmology and sometimes in neuro-ophthalmology settings. It may be used as an alternative or supplement to eye muscle surgery in selected cases.

adjustable sutures are surgical stitches that can be tightened or loosened after they are placed. They are used to fine-tune tissue position when exact alignment is hard to predict during surgery. In eye care, they are most commonly used in strabismus (eye muscle) surgery. They may also be used in selected eyelid or other ophthalmic procedures, depending on clinician preference.

resection is a surgical term that means removing a piece of tissue. In eye care, it can be used to treat a condition, to repair anatomy, or to obtain a sample for diagnosis. It is commonly used in ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery, and in some cases during strabismus (eye alignment) surgery. The exact meaning depends on *what* tissue is being removed and *why*.

recession is a clinical term that means moving a structure backward or farther from its original position. In eye care, recession most commonly refers to surgically moving an eye muscle to reduce its pull. It can also describe a diagnostic finding, such as angle recession after blunt eye trauma. Clinicians use the word recession in both surgical planning and exam documentation.

strabismus surgery is an eye muscle operation used to improve eye alignment. It is performed by an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon), often with input from orthoptists or optometrists. It is commonly used for “crossed eyes,” “wandering eyes,” and some types of double vision. The goal is to change how the eye muscles pull so the eyes point more consistently in the same direction.

epicanthal folds are skin folds at the inner corner of the eyelids (the medial canthus). They can partly cover the inner corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet. They are a common normal anatomic feature and can also appear with certain conditions. The term is used in eye exams, facial assessment, and eyelid surgery planning.

pseudostrabismus is the appearance of crossed or misaligned eyes when the eyes are actually properly aligned. It is most commonly noticed in infants and young children, especially in photos or certain gaze positions. The term is used in eye care to describe a “false strabismus” and to distinguish it from true eye misalignment. It is a descriptive diagnosis made after an eye alignment exam.

pediatric nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a tear-drainage blockage that happens in infants and children. It commonly causes watery eyes and mucus-like discharge because tears do not drain normally into the nose. It is discussed in pediatric eye care, optometry, and ophthalmology when a child has persistent tearing. It can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developing later).