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Eyelid Cut (Laceration)

Picture of eyelid cut (laceration)

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

If the eyelid has a cut that is more than a scratch, the eyeball may be damaged. Something may be puncturing the eyeball. A cut to the eye or eyelid can lead to blindness or reduced eye function and must be looked at by a doctor.

If you are wearing contact lenses at the time of an injury, the eye surface (cornea) can get scratched.

Cuts to the upper eyelid may damage the muscle that controls the up-and-down movement of the eyelid. These cuts may need stitches to reduce scarring and preserve the normal function of the eyelid. Surgical treatment may be needed to prevent permanent drooping of the eyelid.

Cuts to the eyelid on the inner side toward the nose may damage the tear ducts. These injuries occur more often in children and may need medical treatment to preserve the normal function of the eyelid and tear ducts.

Cuts that cross the edge of the eyelid must be carefully repaired for normal eye function and appearance.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised November 2, 2011

Last Revised: November 2, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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