Oculoplastic Surgery
Ocuplastic surgery includes a range of specialized plastic and reconstructive surgeries of the eyelids, the tear-duct system and the eye socket (orbit). They are used to repair damage from injuries, congenital deformities, paralysis, tumors, or systemic diseases such as Graves (thyroid) disease.
Ocuplastic surgery is divided into four different categories:
Cosmetic Ocuplastic Surgeries
The most common include eyelid surgery, cheek lift, and brow lift.
Reconstructive Ocuplastic Surgeries
These procedures correct deformities caused by:
Ptosis—droopy upper eyelids in children and adults
Entropion—inward turning of the eyelids (usually lower)
Ectropion—outward turning of the eyelids
Retraction of the eyelids from birth defects and thyroid diseases such as Graves disease
Skin cancer or injuries
Artificial eyes
Tear Duct Surgery
Tear duct surgery, Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) or Jones Tube Placement (artificial tear duct), is performed to repair a blockage of the tear duct that can cause excessive watering or recurrent infections. This condition is commonly caused by a previous infection or trauma or may occur with aging. This surgery is highly successful and long lasting.
Orbital Surgery
This is surgery within the bony portion of the eye socket to reposition the bones or remove tumors that may occur within the socket. A procedure called orbital decompression is used to correct the appearance of protruding eyes often caused by Graves disease or hyperthyroidism.
The bony socket is expanded to accommodate the swelling and extra tissue deposited behind the eye. The surgeons work closely with the patient’s endocrinologist to determine the best conditions for the procedure.
