Oculoplastics and orbital surgery is plastic surgery that is performed on the eye’s surrounding structures such as eyelids, the bones of the eye socket called the orbit, the tear duct system called the lacrimal system, forehead and the mid-face area.

This is done because these areas may affect your vision and distort cosmetic appearance.

When are oculoplastics and orbital surgery done?

There are several diseases and injuries that may affect the eyes, eyelids and the surrounding areas. Oculoplastics and orbital surgery may be done to treat the following conditions:

• Dry eye or obstructed tear duct and other problems which affect tear production.
• Ectropion – this is a condition where the eyelids turn out and expose the inner surfaces.
• Entropion– this is when the eyelids turn inward and cause eyelashes to rub on the eye.
• Exophthalmos– this is when the eyes protrude abnormally which may be caused by thyroid eye disease, orbital cyst or growth, or sinus issues.
• Eyelid cancer – this may be caused by skin cancer cells or tumours developing in or on the eyelid.
• Injury or illness which may affect the eyes, eyelid, orbit or nearby structures.
• Ptosis – when your upper eyelid is drooping.

How is an oculoplastic and orbital surgery done?

The oculoplastic and orbital surgery offers several options to treat and correct an eye condition or injury and well as cosmetics procedures to improve your appearance. The following procedures may be recommended depending on your condition:

Blepharoplasty – this procedure involves the ophthalmologist correcting abnormalities or repairs injuries to the eyelids.

Orbital surgery – this is a surgical procedure that is done as a surgical biopsy and treats tumours that occur in the eye's socket. This may be done to repair orbital trauma.

Eyelid reconstruction - this procedure involves the ophthalmologist repairing a droopy upper eyelid by tightening the eyelid’s muscles.

Dacryocystorhinostomy – this involves surgically forming a tear sac-nasal conduit to help relieve nasolacrimal/tear duct obstruction.