What is oculoplastic surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery, also known as oculoplastics, is a subspecialty within ophthalmology that deals with the surgical management of the eyelids, eye socket (orbit), tear ducts, and surrounding facial structures.
The ophthalmologists at Coastal Eye Surgeons have received subspecialty training in oculoplastics and are considered specialist eye surgeons with training in diagnosing, treating, and managing eye and ocular diseases.
Do I need oculoplastic surgery?
The most common reason for oculoplastic surgery to be performed is to treat conditions that cause pain, irritation, redness, and/or swelling in and around the eyes. However, many people also choose oculoplastic surgery for cosmetic purposes such as a brow lift.
Reasons for Oculoplastic Surgery
Conditions
There are many conditions that can be treated with oculoplastic surgery, the most common being:
- Entropion: A condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This can result in irritation, redness, and discomfort.
- Ptosis: Drooping of the upper eyelid, which can partially or completely cover the eye.
- Eyelid Growths: Either benign or malignant growths on the eyelids, face, or orbit, such as cysts, tumours, or other lesions.
- Blepharoptosis: Excess fat above and/or below the eyes, or excess eyelid skin.
- Ectropion: Occurs when the lower eyelid turns outward, exposing the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelid, leading to tearing, irritation, and redness.
- Obstructed Tear Ducts: Blocked tear ducts that can lead to excessive tearing and recurrent eye infections, typically caused by injury or illness, or can be present at birth.
- Injuries: Trauma to the eyes, orbits, or surrounding structures may require oculoplastic surgery.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms that may indicate the need for oculoplastic surgery as they relate to multiple eye conditions. Keep in mind that these symptoms may also indicate cataracts or a pterygium.
- Eye bulging
- Inflammation in or around the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Constant redness or tearing
- Blurriness
- Double vision
- Itchiness
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Types of Oculoplastic Procedures
Blepharoplasty:Â Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and/or fat from the eyelids. This procedure is performed on patients with blepharoptosis to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes and address concerns of sagging skin, puffiness, and wrinkles around the eyes.
Ptosis Repair: Ptosis repair aims to reposition and tighten the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid, thereby improving the patient’s vision and restoring a more youthful and symmetrical appearance to the eyes.
Eyelid Malposition:Â Eyelid malposition surgery is recommended for patients experiencing either entropion or ectropion. The aim of this surgery is to reposition the eyelid to improve function and prevent irritation.
Eyelid Tumour Removal: It is common for skin cancers and other lesions to appear on the eyelids and surrounding skin. The goal of eyelid tumour removal surgery is to eliminate any abnormal growths while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible and ensure cancers don’t appear again.
Orbital Surgery: This procedure is performed to address various conditions affecting the orbit and its surrounding structures. Conditions that require orbital surgery include:
- Thyroid Decompression: An autoimmune condition often related to hyperthyroidism, causing inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and surrounding structures.
- Orbital Trauma: Can result from injuries such as fractures to the bones surrounding the eye or penetration injuries. These can lead to double vision, reduced mobility, sunken eyeball, or eye bulging.
- Orbital Tumours: These can be benign or malignant and originate within the orbit or spread from other areas.
- Eye Removal: In rare cases of eye injuries, the eye may need to be removed if other treatments don’t work.
What happens in oculoplastic surgery?
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to your surgery, you will consult with a surgeon who will examine your eyes and vision to determine your condition and the type of surgical procedure that is required. You may need to discuss your family and medical history to help with an accurate diagnosis.
Your surgeon may advise you to stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain vitamins/herbs) to reduce the risk of bleeding. You will be advised to quit smoking several weeks before and after surgery as smoking impairs healing.
Recovering from Surgery
Recovery can take up to 3 weeks depending on the type of oculoplastic surgery you have. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled and it’s important to attend all of these even if you feel recovery is going well. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on properly cleaning your wound and prescriptions for any required medications.
