Tarsorrhaphy

Stitching of the upper and lower lids together, in part or complete, to protect the eye form exposure when eyelids cannot close due to nerve paralysis and also when there is a non-healing ulcer of the cornea (clear part at the front of the eye).

Most of the time this procedure is needed on a temporary basis to protect the eye. At times it is done only by stitching the lids together and it reverses when the stitches are removed.  When the problems are related to a paralysis of the nerves as can happen after surgery for brain tumour, the lids remain open and the front of the eye can be severely damaged from exposure.  In such situations the lids may need to be fixed together permanently or for a long period of time. Only the outer halves of the upper and lower lids may be fixed together or a small part in the middle.