Oculoplastics and diseases of the eye socket
Bags under the eyes
May 11, 2023Bags under the eyes: causes, prevention and aesthetic treatments. Bags under the eyes, known medically as periorbital puffiness, are a common cosmetic concern characterized by swelling or puffiness under the lower eyelids. This condition is associated
Ptosis
April 1, 2017Blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome: this syndrome has several features: * Blepharophimosis – the palpebral fissures (the distance between the medial canthus and the lateral canthus) are smaller. The distance in these cases is between 18 and 22 mm at
Sunken eyes
May 11, 2023Sunken eyes: a comprehensive look at aesthetic treatments. Sunken eyes, also known as hollow eyes, can appear due to various factors ranging from aging to genetics, lifestyle and even underlying health conditions. This condition
Plastic surgery of the eyes and reconstructive surgery of the eye belong to the sub-specialty of ophthalmology.
Oculoplastics, or the field of plastic surgery of the eyes, encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures dealing with the eye socket, eyelids, the tear system and the face. Oculoplastics also includes surgeries reconstructing the structure of the eye.
Oculoplastic surgeon
An oculoplastic surgeon (a plastic surgeon of the eyes) isan ophthalmologistwho has completed between one and two years of additional studies in addition
to a residency in ophthalmology. Surgeons from other fields can undergo training in plastic procedures of the eyes, such as general plastic surgeons, oral and facial surgeons and sometimes ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons.
A plastic surgeon of the eyes treats defects in the eyelids, the tear system and the eye socket (the bone and soft tissues around the eye). These specialists also perform cosmetic treatments of the facial area around the eye, such as eyelid lifts, brow lifts, Botox injections and skin resurfacing.
Ophthalmic plastic surgeries are not only cosmetic surgeries. Certain diseases such as drooping eyelids can significantly interfere with vision. Other conditions in the eye area can be a manifestation of a systemic disease. Any surgery in the eye area can impair vision, and therefore it is highly advisable that these conditions be treated by a licensed oculoplastic surgeon.
A partial list of diseases / conditions treated by an oculoplastic surgeon
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is usually caused by a problem in the quality or quantity of the tears the eye produces.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is a common problem that appears in the eyelid area quite frequently. There are different types of skin cancer, but basal cell carcinoma is the most common.
Wrinkles
As we age, so does the skin. As the skin ages it becomes thinner and thinner and loses its elasticity. The combination of thinning skin and loss of elastic texture leads to wrinkles.
Laser Resurfacing
People who want to reduce the amount of wrinkles, sun spots and scars formed from acne can be helped by a very popular technique in the USA called Laser Resurfacing.
Eye tumors
Any kind of abnormal growth of tissue is considered a tumor. A tumor can be benign or malignant.
Tearing
There are several factors that can lead to tearing. The eye may produce too many tears, or the part of the tear system responsible for drainage may be damaged.
Chemical peel
In a chemical peel, an acidic substance is used which is placed on the surface of the skin to improve the texture and reduce spots in the skin around the eyes.
Droopy eyelids (Ptosis)
People who suffer from droopy eyelids actually suffer from ptosis. This phenomenon is the result of weakening (as a result of damage to a nerve or muscle) or elongation of the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid.
Bulging eyes (Exophthalmos)
When the white of the eye is exposed excessively, it may be because the eye is being pushed out of the socket. The most common cause of exophthalmos is Graves' disease, a type of hyperthyroidism.
Brow lift
People who suffer from drooping or heavy brows can undergo brow-lift surgery, which allows the brows to be raised back to their natural anatomical position.
Dermatochalasis
Excess skin, fat and aging eventually lead to what is called dermatochalasis of the eye, so that the eyelid appears droopy.
Blepharospasm
Some people suffer from involuntary and excessive blinking of the eyelids; the cause is usually unclear.
Entropion and Ectropion
When the lower eyelid turns outward too much it is called ectropion. When the lower eyelid turns inward too much it is called entropion.
Traumatic injuries of the eyelid and eye socket
The eyelids and the bones of the eye socket can be injured in traumatic accidents such as road accidents, sports, combat or other damage.
Enucleation
Enucleation is a procedure in which the eye is removed. This surgery is usually performed as a last option when there is no other treatment and no choice remains.
Eye implants (ocular prostheses)
After enucleation, the eye is replaced with an implant that fills the empty eye socket, and the implant is covered by a prosthesis.
Various diseases of the eyelids
Diseases of the eyelids vary, such as: ptosis, hemangiomas, stye, chalazion and more…
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