Eyelid lacerations should be repaired as soon as possible. Lacerations involving the lid margin require precise apposition to prevent longterm notch defects and an impaired lid function.
A 2-layer closure is recommended in all species, with the deep layer involving the tarsus and orbiculis oculi muscle (interrupted horizontal mattress 3-0 to 6-0 absorbable sutures) and the superficial layer (skin) apposed with a figure-of-eight suture at the eyelid margin followed by simple interrupted sutures using 3-0 to 6-0 silk.
Complex laceration involving most of the medial aspect of the superior eyelid in a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever, before (A) and after (B) corrective surgery. A 2-layer closure was performed using a simple continuous suture pattern in the subcutaneous tissue with 5-0 polyglactin 910, then simple, interrupted sutures in the dermis with 5-0 polyglactin 910.
Images courtesy of UC Davis Comparative Ophthalmology Service.
The skin sutures should be removed after 7–10 days (see ).
When skin sutures are in place, the lid may need protection from self-trauma by an Elizabethan collar (E-collar). Because the blink response can be impaired by the swollen lid, a temporary tarsorrhaphy may be necessary to protect the cornea.
Postoperative treatment often includes topical antimicrobials as well as systemic antimicrobials and NSAIDs.
For More Information
Lackner PA. Techniques for surgical correction of adnexal disease. Clin Tech Small Anim Pract. 2001;16(1):40-50.
