Tarsorrhaphy is a surgical procedure in which the eyelids are partially sewn together to narrow the opening. Stitches are carefully placed at the corners of the eyelid opening (called the palpebral fissure) to narrow it. This allows the eye better lubrication and less exposure to the air. This is an outpatient procedure that is done under local anesthetic.

Many conditions can require tarsorrhaphy but the use of eye drops and contact lenses to moisten and protect the eyes must be considered first before tarsorrhaphy is performed.

The main conditions for which tarsorrhaphy are performed are:

- Paralysis or weakness of the eyelids so that they cannot close or blink adequately. Bell's palsy, myasthenia gravis and stroke can weaken eyelids so they do not close.

- Exophthalmos (the eyes sticking out of their sockets). If the eyes stick out too far, the lids cannot close over them.

- Enophthalmos is a condition in which the eye falls back into the socket so that the eyelid function is inadequate.

- Several eye and corneal diseases cause swelling of the cornea and require temporary added protection until the condition resolves.

- Sjögren's syndrome reduces tear flow to the point where it can endanger the cornea. Dendritic ulcers of the cornea caused by viruses may need to be covered with the eyelid while they heal.