WHAT IS OCULOPLASTY?

Oculoplasty is the art and science of plastic surgery around the eye. The eyeball is a delicate structure, protected from harm by eyelids in front and the bony cup (socket) behind. Behind the eyeball run the nerves , arteries and muscles, which carry messages to the brain, move the eyeball, and provide nutrition to the eye. Oculoplasty deals with all these structures surrounding the eyeball.

WHY SHOULD AN EYE SURGEON DO PLASTIC SURGERY?

Oculoplastic surgeons first train as ophthalmologists, when they learn in details about the eye. During further higher training, they start to handle plastic surgery. They have the best knowledge about the eye and its surrounding; as eye surgeons, they are also ready to handle the most delicate of structures. This combination of skills makes the oculoplastic surgeons the best to do plastic surgery around the eye.

Types of Surgeries:

• Ptosis:  Ptosis is drooping of the upper lid. It may be present by birth, or appear later in life. Ptosis is usually corrected by surgery.

• Entropion– Entropion is in-turning of the eyelid. The eyelashes rub on the eye and cause pain and watering; treatment is by surgery, Ectropion– Ectropion is turning outwards of the eyelid margin, causing redness and watering (Link to gallery)Lagophthalmos- where the patient cannot close his eye; this can cause danger to the eye, pain and infection.

• Eyelid tumors: Lid tearrepairs with grafts and flaps

• ORBIT: Orbital fractures– A fracture in the bones around the eye can cause double vision, and a sunken small appearance of the eye. The fracture is repaired with an implant or plate. The best results are obtained in surgery within 2 weeks of injury, but surgery can also be done later.