Tarsorrhaphy: What is it? Is it something to be afraid of?

Have you ever seen someone with one eye sewn shut? Or has your doctor ever told you or someone you know to keep their eye closed for a while? This may sound a little scary and strange, but it is actually a very important medical procedure used to protect and heal the eye. Today we are going to talk about something called `(Tarsorrhaphy)`. Let's talk about it simply, clearly, and in a way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is Tarsorrhaphy?

This is very simple. Imagine you have a broken arm or leg. What does the doctor do? He puts a plaster on it so that it doesn't move until it heals, right? That's the same thing. Tarsorrhaphy is a procedure that involves tying the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid together to keep the eye closed, in order to heal the damage to the surface of the eye, or to protect it from further damage.

This is usually done on only one eye. However, if necessary, it can sometimes be done on both eyes. The main purpose of this is to protect the surface of the eye (especially the cornea) by keeping the eye closed and to create the environment it needs to heal.

What are the different methods of performing Tarsorrhaphy?

When a doctor suggests this method to you, he or she will consider several factors. That is, how long you should keep your eyes closed, how much you should close them, and what method to use. Let's look at each of these.

Well, why would you want to do something like this?

There can be many reasons for this. Sometimes it is a treatment. Other times it is done to prevent damage that may be caused by an illness.

Diseases and injuries of the surface of the eye

This is very useful in cases where the surface of the eye, that is, the cornea, may be damaged.

• Inability to close the eyelids properly: Imagine a condition like ``Bell's palsy'' where the nerves on one side of the face are paralyzed, and the eye on that side cannot be closed properly.
• When receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU): An unconscious person who is breathing with the help of a machine does not close their eyes. This can cause dry eyes and damage. This is done to prevent that.
• Exposure keratitis: Damage caused by drying out the eye when it is not properly closed and exposed to air and dust.
• Eye burns: Treat burns caused by heat (thermal burns) or chemicals such as acids (chemical burns).
• Corneal diseases: To help heal corneal injuries and infections.
• Neurotrophic keratitis: This is a dangerous condition. Because the nerves in the eye are damaged, the eye cannot feel even a piece of dirt. So it can be easily injured. It is essential to protect the eye in such cases.

Change in the shape or position of the eyeball

Some medical conditions cause the shape of the eyeball to change, making it impossible to close the eyelids properly.

• Protrusion of the eyes (Proptosis):Conditions such as Graves' disease can cause the eyes to become enlarged and protrude.
• Cancers or tumors around the eye: These can cause the eye to change position.
• Severe Accidents: When the eye is severely damaged and enucleation is required, this is done to protect the eye socket.

Conditions that affect eyeballs

• Facial nerve dysfunction: Conditions like ``Bell's palsy''.
• Ectropion: The lower eyelid is turned outward, causing the eye to not close properly.
• Unconsciousness: A person who has suffered a severe head injury and is in a coma blinks less frequently. This is done to prevent dry eyes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?

Like any medical method, this one has its advantages and some minor disadvantages.

What should you pay attention to after doing this?

After undergoing this treatment, there are a few things you need to do on your part to get the most out of it.

Pain and healing

If you are having stitches or surgery, the doctor will numb the area so you don't feel any pain. After that, they may prescribe painkillers. Or you can take a simple medicine like paracetamol to control the pain. Your doctor will tell you exactly what to do.

Things you can do

• Do not rub your eyes for any reason. Doing so can damage the stitches, hinder healing, and increase pain. Ask your doctor what to do if you experience itching.
• Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. He or she may prescribe eye drops or use eye shields to protect your eyes.
• Go to the clinics on the scheduled dates. This is mandatory. The success of the treatment depends on that follow-up.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

In addition to your scheduled clinic days, if you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

• If the stitches feel loose or broken.
• If you notice a change in your vision.
• If you develop new symptoms (e.g., rash, blisters) in the eye, eyelid, or surrounding skin.
• If there is swelling, redness, drainage of pus, or severe pain around the closed eye (these may be signs of an infection).

It's normal for anyone to feel scared and frustrated when told to keep one or both eyes closed. But remember, this is a very effective treatment to protect your vision and eye health. Your doctor will choose the best method for your situation and explain everything to you.