Facing the possibility of orbital decompression surgery can be filled with anxiety, but understanding the signs and knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial. Orbital decompression is often a solution if you suffer from thyroid eye disease and aims to alleviate pressure within your eye socket. This addresses issues like bulging eyes, discomfort, and vision problems. By recognizing the early symptoms, you will learn how you can tell if you need orbital decompression surgery and be proactive in your treatment to ensure the best possible outcome. Before seeking any medical advice, consult with an experienced eye doctor, as this can ensure you get the best care concerning the intricacies of your eyes.
Understanding Orbital Decompression and Its Purpose
Orbital decompression is performed by an oculoplastic surgeon to treat exophthalmos, a condition characterized by the protrusion of one or both of your eyes out of your orbit. Typically, this disorder is manifested due to an increase in the rigid bony orbit of orbital contents. Most commonly, exophthalmos is a symptom of thyroid-associated eye disease like Graves’ disease.
Exophthalmos Etiology
Exophthalmos is not a condition in itself but a symptom of an underlying condition that needs treatment. It is always advised to make treating the underlying condition a priority before seeking surgical solutions. Exophthalmos has four likely causes:
- Inflammation extending into the orbit
- New growth within the orbit
- Complications with venous return
- Trauma
Ultimately, what occurs is that your orbital socket contains a pre-determined amount of surface area. When exopthalmos occurs it causes inflammation, regrowth, or complications in bodily processes. This swelling or growth of new cells invades your orbital socket, taking some of the surface area within the bone. Eventually, there is not enough room within your orbital socket to properly house the invasion and your eyeball. Because the problem is behind your eyeball, it is pushed forward, causing the bulging and protrusion that can be observed.
Key Signs and Symptoms You May Need Surgery
For a confirmed diagnosis, seeking the treatment of a medical professional is highly advised. Your care team can help you determine your diagnosis and develop a focused treatment plan specific to your needs. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult with an oculoplastic surgeon to discuss orbital decompression.
- Bulging eyes
- Double vision
- Dry eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Pain in or around the eyes
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Redness and swelling of the eyelids
- Vision loss
Talk to your doctor about any underlying conditions you may have that could be causing or exacerbating your symptoms.
Diagnosing the Need for Orbital Decompression
You may elect to undergo an orbital decompression procedure if symptoms persist or become severe. Common signs you may be at a stage that requires orbital decompression are:
- Chronic eye pain
- Headaches
- Chronic eye irritation causes scar tissue
- Optic neuropathy
- Loss of vision
In some cases, imaging may be recommended to obtain a more thorough diagnosis.
When the space within your orbit becomes too full to house the orbital contents, squeezing inside, the resulting pressure often takes the form of bulging eyes. Orbital decompression’s objective is to create more orbital space for your eyeballs to sit comfortably.
How Is Orbital Decompression Surgery Performed?
During orbital decompression surgery:
- Your surgeon will place you under a general anesthetic.
- An incision is created under the upper eyelid crease, from the inner corner of your eye or the thin layer enveloping the white part of your eye.
- Your oculoplastic surgeon then carefully extracts portions of your bone from the walls of your orbit.
- In cases with excess fat, your surgeon may also remove that.
- The decompression has commenced, and your eye can settle back into a more natural position through bone removal.
- Your surgeon then closes the incision sutures, often absorbable. After that, your procedure wraps up.
Could Orbital Decompression Be the Solution For You?
Orbital decompression may sound intimidating, but if you are experiencing bulging eyes, pain, or vision issues that won’t go away, this oculofacial surgical procedure might ease these bothersome symptoms. Look out for key signs and symptoms indicating it’s time to see a doctor. Protecting your sight is imperative, and that means seeking treatment when problems progress or persist. To ensure optimal eye health, see your eye doctor regularly and discuss any problems or concerns.
Call today if you think you may benefit from orbital decompression surgery.
Reference:
Shamus, B. & Patel, B. (2023). Exophthalmos.