What is Oculoplastic Surgery?

Health

 

Oculoplastic surgery is one of the most advanced levels of ophthalmological care. Oculoplastic surgery is essentially a combination of plastic surgery and ocular surgery. Due to the highly intricate nature of the eye, an ophthalmologist must become even more highly educated and skilled to assume a role in oculoplastic surgery.

Oculoplastic Surgeons Areas of Expertise

These surgeons specialize in reconstructive and plastic surgery of periorbital and facial tissue structures such as the eyebrows, eyelids, the occipital cavity and the lacrimal system. Most often, an oculoplastic surgeon addresses eyelid-related conditions and facial reconstructions, but many of these doctors also offer major and minor cosmetic procedures of the ocular region, as well.

Conditions Treated Via Oculoplastic Surgery

There are quite a few conditions and types of injuries that can affect the appearance and function of the eye that can be assisted or remedied through oculoplastic and orbital surgical procedures. Some conditions typical of those seeking these types of surgeries include:

  • Obstructed tear ducts or dry eye
  • Infections and tearing or eye tissues
  • Eyelids that turn outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion)
  • Protruding / Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
  • Eye cancers
  • Severe eye injuries
  • Drooping upper eyelid (ptosis)
  • Cosmetic procedures

Common Types of Oculoplastic, Ocular and Reconstructive Surgeries

It’s not uncommon for one or more procedures to need to occur in a series or concurrently for the retina problems symptoms most complex conditions. For example, reconstructive surgery may be warranted after surviving cancer or Graves’ disease to restore a natural appearance to the affected facial region. The most typical forms of surgery performed include:

  • Lacrimal Surgery
  • Blepharoplasty
  • Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgery
  • Orbital Decompression Surgery
  • Orbital Fracture Repair

Many surgeons offering these services also perform facially related cosmetic oculoplastic surgery and in-office procedures such as Botox injections and fillers to smooth and rejuvenate the skin. Some surgical options are likely to include eyelid lifts, brow lifts, forehead lifts, and cosmetic ptosis.