--- title: "Oculoplastic and orbital surgery: Uses & Side Effects" description: "What oculoplastic and orbital surgery covers — the eyelids, tear ducts and eye socket — and what to expect, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/oculoplastic-surgery/ robots: noindex --- # Oculoplastic and orbital surgery: Uses & Side Effects Treatments What oculoplastic and orbital surgery covers — the eyelids, tear ducts and eye socket — and what to expect, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin MBChB, FRCOphth](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/mohamed-mohyudin/) · GMC 7039600 Reviewed 10 June 2026 ## Quick answer What are oculoplastic and orbital surgery used for? Oculoplastic and orbital surgery covers operations on the structures around the eye — the eyelids, the tear-drainage system and the bony eye socket (orbit). It treats problems such as drooping or turned eyelids, blocked tear ducts that cause watering, and conditions affecting the eye socket. Many procedures are done as day cases, sometimes under local anaesthetic. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Oculoplastic and orbital surgery, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about oculoplastic and orbital surgery - Oculoplastic surgery treats the eyelids, tear ducts and eye socket. - Common reasons include droopy or turned eyelids and watering eyes. - Many procedures are day cases, sometimes under local anaesthetic. - The aim is to protect the eye and restore comfort, function and appearance. ## What is oculoplastic and orbital surgery? Oculoplastic and orbital surgery is the area of eye surgery that deals with the structures around the eye rather than the eyeball itself. This includes the eyelids, the eyebrows, the tear-drainage system, and the bony socket — the orbit — that holds the eye. ## What it treats Common reasons for oculoplastic surgery include: - a drooping upper eyelid (ptosis) that affects vision - eyelids that turn inwards or outwards, causing rubbing or watering - a blocked tear duct causing a constantly [watering eye](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/watering-eyes/) - lumps, cysts or skin problems on the eyelids - conditions affecting the eye socket itself ## What happens The procedure depends on the problem. Many are done as day cases, and some can be carried out under local anaesthetic with the area numbed while you stay awake. Because the eyelids and surrounding skin heal well, scars are usually well hidden in the natural folds. ## Recovery It is normal to have some bruising and swelling for a week or two, which gradually settles. You will be given advice on keeping the area clean, any ointment or drops to use, and when you can return to work and normal activities. ## Risks and when to seek help These operations are generally safe, but as with any surgery there are small risks of bleeding, infection or the problem not fully resolving. Get **urgent** advice if you have increasing pain, any change in vision, spreading redness or swelling, or bleeding that will not stop. ## ! Important safety information for oculoplastic and orbital surgery Bruising and swelling are normal for a week or two after these operations. Seek **urgent** advice from your eye unit, or call **111**, if you have increasing pain, any change in your vision, spreading redness or swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, as these need prompt assessment. ## Common questions about oculoplastic and orbital surgery What does an oculoplastic surgeon do? An oculoplastic surgeon specialises in the area around the eye — the eyelids, eyebrows, tear ducts and eye socket. They treat both functional problems, such as a droopy eyelid affecting vision, and the appearance of these structures. Is eyelid surgery available on the NHS? Eyelid surgery is usually offered on the NHS when there is a medical reason, such as an eyelid drooping enough to block vision or an eyelid turning in and rubbing the eye. Surgery purely to change appearance is generally private. What is a DCR? A DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) is an operation to treat a blocked tear duct. It creates a new drainage channel between the tear sac and the nose so that tears can drain properly, relieving a constantly watering eye. What is recovery like? Most people have some bruising and swelling for one to two weeks, which then settles. You will be given advice on caring for the wound, any drops or ointment to use, and when you can return to your normal activities. ## Sources - [NHS — Eyelid problems](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eyelid-problems/) - [NHS — Watering eyes](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/watering-eyes/)