An eyelid cut near the inner corner may reach a tear channel

What an oculoplastic surgeon and an emergency physician check in eyelid cuts

For survivors and families3 min read

Eye and vision injuriesEyelid cutsTear duct injuriesCuts and lacerationsSurgery

A cut on the eyelid close to the nose may slice across a tiny channel that drains tears. This channel is called the canaliculus. Swelling can make damage to it hard to spot. If the channel heals shut, tears may later spill down your cheek. A cut through the edge of the eyelid also has to be lined up with care. So a wound that looks small may need more than routine skin stitches. [1, 2]

Get the eye checked before the cut is closed

Tell the team what hit your face, whether glass broke and whether your vision has changed. Their first job is to rule out damage to the eyeball and other serious injury to the face. After that, an eye specialist can examine the edge of the lid and the tear channel. [1, 2]

A cut near the inner corner needs a prompt exam by an eye doctor. So does an eyelid that has shifted out of place. Fat showing in the wound or a cut through the full thickness of the lid also calls for one. Do not pull the wound open to look inside. [1, 2]

What the repair may involve

If the tear channel is cut, a skilled surgeon may repair it. They may also place a small, temporary tube to help it heal. The plan depends on your exact wound and any other injuries. Ask who will take the tube out and how to care for the area. Find out whether the surface of your eye needs protecting. Do not tug on a tube or take out stitches yourself. [1]

Problems to watch for later

New vision loss, severe eye pain or an eye with an odd shape needs emergency care. After the repair, tell your eye team about redness that grows, discharge or fever. Report tears that keep spilling over, too. [1, 2]

Questions for your eye specialist

  1. Is my eyeball intact?
  2. Does the cut reach the edge of my eyelid or the tear channel?
  3. Who will check how it heals and take out any tube?

Mention the corner before stitches go in

Before anyone stitches the cut, point out that it sits near the inner corner of your eye. [1]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1American Academy of Ophthalmology, canalicular trauma
  2. 2American Academy of Ophthalmology, eyelid laceration

General education rooted in oculoplastic surgery and emergency medicine. Don’t probe an eyelid cut on your own. If the eyeball itself might be hurt, keep pressure off the eye and get emergency care.

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