EYELID BIOPSY

WHAT IS A BIOPSY ?

When you have a biopsy done, a small piece of tissue is removed and sent away to be examined under a microscope.   Using the results of this microscopic examination, the doctor can identify what kind of cells the lesion contains: i.e., whether they are infectious cells, benign cells or malignant cells.   The doctor then uses the results of this cell examination to determine the best future treatment for you.  

Before the biopsy

10 days beforehand:

Do not take any anticoagulants for 10 days.   You must consult your doctor before stopping treatment with anticoagulants.  

The day of the biopsy

Do not wear any make-up or mascara.  

Remember to chill the cooling mask.

If you suffer from any allergies, make sure that you tell the doctor about them.  

After the biopsy

A dressing will be put on your eye.     

After two hours you can remove this dressing yourself. You should then apply some antibiotic ointment to your eye.  

Your eyelid will be swollen and red for about one week. This is due to subcutaneous bleeding (i.e., bleeding under the skin).   To minimise swelling, it is important that you cool your eyelid using ice during the first hour following the biopsy.   You can do this on top of the dressing.  

After this initial period, you must cool your eyelid every hour for 10 minutes.  

EYE OINTMENT

For one week you will need to apply the eye ointment to your eye twice a day.  

CHECK-UP

You will have a check-up one week after the biopsy.  

During this check-up you will discuss the examination and your future treatment