Quick answer
What is 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.
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
- 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.
Common questions
- 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.