Eyelid retraction is characterized by the displacement of the upper or lower eyelid to expose the sclera (white part of the eye) and create a bulging eye appearance and exposure problems for the eye. Upper eyelid retraction uses a sensory nerve block so patients are awake and able to move their eyelids so the surgeon can make controlled adjustments. One upper procedure is an excision of Müller's muscle or a combined excision of Müller's muscle and partial cutting of the levator muscles. Lower eyelid retraction can be corrected with spacer grafts that push the lower eyelid upward and support it from below.
