Dr de Wit is very experienced in oculoplastic surgery having studied to consultant level in the UK, worked in Germany, in South Africa and Australia.
This broad depth of exposure to different techniques in different countries has helped improve upon his initial training in Moorfields Eye Hospital, London and Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. He has introduced new techniques for minimally invasive lid corrections by incorporating mini fellowship work in the USA as well (Joe Niumtu).
Ectropion is an outward turning of the eyelid. This condition is most often associated with aging, however it could also be caused by facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy) or scarring of the skin around the eyes from previous injury or burn. Most patients with ectropion complain of constant tearing and a burning sensation. Depending on the cause, the surgical correction varies. If the ectropion is primarily because of the effects of aging, the lower eyelid is tightened and repositioned. If the ectropion is secondary to scarring, a skin graft or even a cartilage graft for additional support may be needed.
Entropion is an inward turning of the eyelid, typically involving the lower lid. It is usually caused by a loose lower eyelid; however it can also be caused by scarring from trauma or inflammation from certain ocular diseases. The inturned eyelashes rub the eye and the patient complains of irritation, tearing and a burning sensation. Depending on the cause, either a lower lid tightening procedure, or the release of scar tissue and placement of a mucus membrane graft will be needed.
Many different types of skin cancer start with small bumps and discoloured areas on our eyelids from chronic sun exposure in Australia. If you have a lesion which does not get better after a few weeks on its own please let us examine you – especially if it is growing, bleeds, itches or is discoloured in comparison to the surrounding skin. We usually take a small biopsy and then, if positive, remove these with quite a significant amount of normal looking skin. This means the smaller (earlier) they are when we see them the easier they are to remove and to reconstruct with a good functional and cosmetic result. If very early there is even a chane we may use a topical cream to help reduce the size of the lesion or even remove it completely without surgery.
