Oculoplasty
Oculoplasty, also known as oculoplastic surgery or ophthalmic plastic surgery, is a specialized branch of ophthalmology that focuses on surgical procedures involving the orbit (eye socket), eyelids, tear ducts, and the face. Oculoplastic surgeons are trained to perform a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries to improve the function, appearance, and comfort of the eyes and surrounding structures.
Areas of Oculoplasty
- Eyelid Surgery:
- Blepharoplasty: Removal of excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids to improve appearance and function.
- Ptosis Repair: Correction of drooping eyelids (ptosis) to improve vision and aesthetics.
- Ectropion and Entropion Repair: Correction of eyelids that turn outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion), causing irritation or damage to the eye.
- Orbital Surgery:
- Orbital Fracture Repair: Treatment of fractures in the bones surrounding the eye.
- Orbital Decompression: Surgery to relieve pressure in the orbit, often used in cases of thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease).
- Exenteration: Removal of the eye and surrounding tissues due to severe disease or malignancy.
- Lacrimal (Tear Duct) Surgery:
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): Creation of a new tear drain between the eye and the nose to treat blocked tear ducts.
- Canaliculotomy: Surgery to open up a blocked tear duct in the eyelid.
- Reconstructive Surgery:
- Eyelid Reconstruction: Repair of eyelid defects following trauma, tumor removal, or congenital abnormalities.
- Anophthalmic Socket Surgery: Procedures to prepare the eye socket for an ocular prosthesis (artificial eye) after the removal of an eye.
- Cosmetic Procedures:
- Botox Injections: For reducing wrinkles around the eyes and treating eyelid spasms.
- Dermal Fillers: For volume restoration and wrinkle reduction around the eyes and face.
- Facelifts and Brow Lifts: To improve the aesthetic appearance of the facial region around the eyes.
Benefits of Oculoplastic Surgery
- Improved Vision: By correcting eyelid abnormalities and tear duct obstructions.
- Enhanced Appearance: Rejuvenating the area around the eyes for a more youthful look.
- Increased Comfort: Addressing issues like irritation, tearing, and discomfort caused by eyelid malpositions.
- Restored Function: Reconstructive procedures that restore normal anatomy and function after trauma or disease.
