Oculoplastics (or oculoplastic surgery), includes a wide variety of surgical procedures that addresses the orbit (eye socket), eyelids, tear ducts, and the face. It also addresses the reconstruction of the eye and associated structures.
Some common procedures are:
- Blepharoplasty or Ptosis Repair – As we age, sometimes our eyelid muscles or the skin on our eyelids becomes more slack, blocking our field of vision. Blepharoplasty removes the extra skin hindering your field of vision. Ptosis repair corrects droopy upper eyelids by lifting the eyelid into the proper position to maximize the field of vision. This procedure also helps someone from straining their facial muscles to keep their eyelids open.
- Canthoplasty - Corrects drooping of the lower eyelid so that it is flush with the eye. This can improve tear flow/lacrimal duct function. This procedure can help when people are experiencing tears not draining properly (e.g. running down their face). Some people also experience discomfort from drooping of the lower eyelid; this would help correct that.
- Excision of Lesions – Refers to the removal of a lesion, whether there is a concerning lesion that needs to be biopsied or just a lesion that is causing discomfort or pain.
- Repair of Canaliculi – Corrects the tear ducts (canaliculi) near the inner corner of the eye.
- Entropion Repair – If the lower eyelid has turned in, it can cause a lot of discomfort from eyelashes rubbing on the eye and can even lead to corneal abrasion. Entropion Repair corrects the eyelid, so the eyelashes are in the correct position.
You can do that?!
Orbital Fracture Repair - If an injury is sustained to the face and breaks any bones around the eye, you may need an Orbital Fracture Repair. Please make sure you see a physician in a timely manner.
Evisceration/Enucleation - Removal of the eyeball or its contents. This is usually done for someone who is already blind and experiencing immense pain in the eye.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) - Creates a new drainage pathway for tears from the eye to the nasal cavity. This procedure is usually considered after discussing other less invasive options.
