About Tarsorrhaphy
Key Highlights
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Protects the cornea from exposure, dryness, and potential ulceration.Promotes healing of existing corneal injuries or ulcers.Reduces pain and discomfort associated with an exposed ocular surface.Helps maintain moisture and a healthy tear film over the eye.Can be performed as a temporary or permanent procedure based on patient needs.Often a sight-saving intervention that prevents serious complications./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Facial nerve palsy (e.g., Bell's palsy) leading to incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos).
- Severe dry eye syndrome (neurotrophic or exposure keratitis) unresponsive to medical therapy.
- Thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy) causing proptosis and eyelid retraction.
- Protection following corneal transplant, refractive surgery, or other ocular surface procedures.
- Non-healing corneal ulcers or persistent epithelial defects.
- Comatose or sedated patients unable to protect their own eyes.
- Congenital conditions affecting eyelid function.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive eye examination by the ophthalmologist to assess corneal health and eyelid function.
- Discussion of the procedure's goals, type (temporary vs. permanent), and expected outcomes.
- Review of the patient's complete medical history and current medications.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
- Arranging for transportation home after the procedure, as sedation may be used.
- Informed consent process detailing the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or bruising of the eyelids.
- Scarring or notching of the eyelid margin.
- Allergic reaction to suture material or local anesthetic.
- Asymmetry in eyelid appearance or position.
- Discomfort, foreign body sensation, or difficulty with peripheral vision.
- Need for revision surgery if the closure is inadequate or too tight.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Mild pain, swelling, and bruising are common and managed with prescribed pain relievers and cold compresses.
- Use of antibiotic or lubricating ointments as directed to prevent infection and keep the eye moist.
- Avoiding rubbing the eye or getting water directly in it for the first week.
- Temporary blurring of vision is normal due to ointments and swelling.
- Follow-up visits with the ophthalmologist to monitor healing and remove temporary sutures if used.
- For permanent tarsorrhaphy, adaptation to the reduced palpebral fissure (eye opening) is necessary.
- Protective eyewear may be recommended during activities.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for initial healing; several weeks for full adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tarsorrhaphy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for tarsorrhaphy in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tarsorrhaphy. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tarsorrhaphy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15 Thousand – 50 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 1-2 weeks for initial healing; several weeks for full adaptation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 52.5 Thousand – 175 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 1-2 weeks for initial healing; several weeks for full adaptation | Know More |
Top hospitals for Tarsorrhaphy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing tarsorrhaphy.
Sai Roy, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher,...
Sai Roy, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher, had a history of Bell's palsy five years ago that left her with incomplete eyelid closure. For months, she suffered from chronic dry eye, frequent corneal abrasions, and a persistent, gritty feeling. Reading her beloved books became painful, and bright lights were agonizing. Her ophthalmologist, Dr. Chen, explained that her cornea was at risk of developing a non-healing ulcer and permanent scarring due to exposure. He recommended a temporary lateral tarsorrhaphy to partially sew her eyelids together, protect the cornea, and allow it to heal. The procedure under local anesthesia was quick but emotionally daunting for Sai, who was anxious about her changed appearance. The recovery involved using ointment and adjusting to limited peripheral vision. After six weeks, when the sutures were removed, her cornea was completely healed and healthy. The relief from constant pain was profound. While initially self-conscious, Sai's gratitude for being able to read and go outside without pain far outweighed her cosmetic concerns. She felt a quiet triumph, regaining a crucial piece of her daily comfort and independence.
Ophthalmologists for Tarsorrhaphy
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform tarsorrhaphy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist