Oculoplastic surgery is a specialised area of ophthalmologic surgery that is focused around the health of the eyelids, orbit, tear ducts and other structures in the eye. It is also known as ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery and it’s performed by ophthalmologists with additional specialisation in facial and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Oculoplasty Meaning:
The term ‘oculoplasty’ is derived from the term ‘oculoplastics”, which is an umbrella term for surgery surrounding the eye and its structures. Other than trained ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons can be trained in procedures that fall under oculoplastics.
Thyroid Eye Disease:
Thyroid Eye Disease is a condition that develops when excess levels of the thyroid hormone start affecting your eyes. Patients who are affected by thyroid eye disease will experience swelling around their eyes as the tissues behind the eyeball and around their eyes start to bulge.
The treatment for thyroid eye disease usually depends on the stage of the disease, symptoms and signs.
Since stabilising the thyroid levels in the body doesn’t prevent the disease from aggravating, the treatments can be done simultaneously but in a way that’s independent of the systemic disease.
Thyroid Eye Disease has two stages: The Active Stage and The Focus Stage. Treatments usually begin in the active stage and oculoplastic surgery is usually done way past the active stage, when issues like eye bulge, squint or lid swelling will require surgical correction.
Oculoplastic Surgery for Thyroid Eye Disease:
Depending on the condition and affected area, oculoplastic surgery is done to surgically correct the damage done by thyroid eye disease. The most commonly done corrective surgeries are:
Orbital Compression Surgery ( also known as orbital surgery):
Orbital decompression surgery is one of the most crucial treatments for thyroid eye disease. This procedure reduces the bulging of the eye ( also known as proptosis) and relieves pressure in the eye socket by removing bone, fat or both bone and fat. This procedure creates more space within the orbit, allowing the eyes to move back and settle into a more normal position. The surgery also aids in alleviating symptoms like eye pain, pressure, and vision issues, significantly improving both appearance and eye function. This surgery is typically performed by an oculoplastic surgeon, and it is tailored to each patient’s specific needs to achieve optimal results.
Strabismus Surgery:
Strabismus surgery addresses the misalignment of the eyes caused by muscle inflammation and thyroid eye disease. This surgery re-adjusts the position of the eye muscles to correct double vision and restore balance and proper alignment in the eyes. During this procedure, an oculoplastic surgeon repositions the affected eye muscles to improve coordination and movement. Strabismus surgery for patients with thyroid eye disease ( TED) can be more complicated than the average strabismus surgery and it’s only performed by a surgeon with abundant experience in treating TED.
Eyelid Surgery:
Like strabismus surgery, this surgery is also performed to reposition the misalignment of the eyes or to improve eyelid retraction. This oculoplasty eye surgery mainly involves repositioning the eyelids to their normal position, improving eye protection and health. Surgical procedures include lowering the upper eyelid, raising the lower eyelid, or adjusting the muscles and the tissues around the eyes. It’s usually performed by specialised oculoplastic surgeons and it enhances eye comfort, function, and restores aesthetic balance in appearance.
Cosmetic Surgery:
Thyroid eye disease also affects the areas around the eyes, including eyebrows and cheeks and it causes significant changes in other areas of the face, which can greatly affect the overall appearance of a person. Cosmetic surgery for TED mainly focuses on restoring the natural appearance of the eyes and surrounding areas affected by the condition. These procedures may include lasers, fillers, botox, soft tissue remodelling and other forms of facial eye surgery to address swelling and improve facial harmony. These surgeries aim to enhance both aesthetic and functional outcomes, helping patients regain confidence and improve their overall quality of life.
Choosing the right hospitals for Oculoplastic Eye Surgery:
If you or your loved one is affected by Thyroid Eye Disease, it’s important that you choose the right hospitals to get treatment. Most importantly it’s very important that you seek the services of an oculoplastic surgeon who specialises in thyroid eye surgery.
RPS Hospitals is one of the best hospitals in the country for thyroid eye treatment. As a leading 24/7 multi-speciality hospital housing many departments, our mission is to provide world-class healthcare to all sections of society at an affordable price. Our hospital is home to some of the top surgeons in India, which includes one of the best oculoplastic surgeon in India, Dr. Priti Udhay, who specialises in thyroid eye surgery. Please reach out to us if you have a query or are seeking an appointment for concerns related to thyroid eye disease