Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery

The eye is well protected by the facial bones and eyelids. The anatomy of the eyelids and orbit is so unique that the treatment of diseases affecting these tissues requires specialized skill and training. Patients with problems that involve the eye should seek the care of a skilled ophthalmologist with special training in oculoplastic surgery.

Common diseases and problems of the eyelids and orbit:

• Dermatochalasis (excess eyelid skin)
• Ectropion (eyelids turn out)
• Entropion (eyelids turn in)
• Orbital tumors
• Proptosis and Graves’ disease
• Ptosis (droopy eyelids)
• Skin cancer of the eyelids
• Trichiasis (eyelashes rub against the eyes)

Services

Oculoplastic surgeons benefit from training in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. This allows them to assess a patient from both a functional and cosmetic perspective. The evaluation may include an exam of the orbital and eyelid tissues, as well as discussion with the patient regarding appearance after treatment. The examination may include:

• Assessment of vision
• Assessment of visual field loss due to the eyelid abnormalities or other disease processes
• Assessment of eye muscle function and appearance
• Photography to document appearance