Who are Oculoplastic Surgeons ?

Specializing in surgery of the eyes (Credit: D' Art)

Oculoplastic or ophthalmic plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists or eye doctors who have reached a high level of proficiency in dealing with eyelids. They are eye surgeons who undergo advanced training, specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and the surrounding structures. This includes the tear duct system and the orbit (the bone cavity around the eye).

Though, ENT surgeons and maxillofacial surgeons can perform cosmetic eyelid surgery, only oculoplastic surgeons are trained to manage the complications that involve the eye itself. Ouculoplastic surgery sets the balance between a great aesthetic outcome and safeguarding the vision and comfort of your eyes.

Even minor complications from eyelid surgery can quickly turn into blurred vision; watery or dry gritty eyes; incomplete eyelid closure; corneal abrasions (scratches to the surface of the eye); bruising or bleeding behind the eye; wound infection; a sunken appearance when too much tissue has been removed; asymmetry and scarring. Many of these complications can also affect the vision in the eyes. It is the oculoplastic surgeon’s first priority to avoid these complications and to treat them appropriately if they occur.

An important part of the oculoplastic surgeon’s function is to undertake a thorough assessment of what can be achieved – and to manage the patient’s expectations. The surgeon can recontour and lift the eyelids (ptosis correction and blepharoplasty), correct malpositioned eyelids (in ectropion/entropion), removed benign or malignant eyelid lesions, assess and treat watering and irritable eyes, and deal with the effects of thyroid eye disease. In cases where the eye has been lost, an oculoplastic surgeon can improve the appearance of the eye socket so that the false eye has a more natural look.