Most people have the impression that an ophthalmologist is the eye doctor they need to see for all sorts of eye related disorders. However, there is another specialised field in ophthalmology known as oculoplasty that deals with the treatment of the eyelids, eye socket, tear ducts, and other associated structures. To be an oculoplastic surgeon, a qualified ophthalmologist needs to undergo additional fellowship training for 2 years.

Some of the therapies offered by an oculoplastic specialist are listed here.

Blepharoplasty: An oculoplastic surgeon performs an eye surgery known as Blepharoplasty. This plastic surgical procedure is used to treat several kinds of defects, deformities, and disfigurations of the eyelids. For instance, excess skin and subcutaneous fat are removed from the eyelid area to open up the eyes. People also opt for Blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons to aesthetically modify the eye region of the face.

Ptosis Surgery: Many people suffer from a condition called “lazy eye.” The medical term for this eyelid problem is ptosis and it can affect one or both of the eyes of a person. This condition also occurs in children, some are even born with it. If left untreated, ptosis can lead to blurred vision and other problems. Only a qualified oculoplastic surgeon can perform ptosis surgery.

Removal of Tumour and Eyelid Reconstruction: If someone is suffering from a tumour in or around the eye area, an oculoplastic surgeon can perform a surgery for the removal of the tumour. Since this surgical procedure might lead to uneven eyelids or other issues, an oculoplastic surgeon also performs eyelid reconstruction on the patients.

Orbital Fracture Repairs: Accidents can lead to an injury of the bone of the eye socket – a condition called orbital fracture. Depending on the severity, orbital fractures are dealt with in different ways. For smaller fractures, decongestants and antibiotics along with ice packs are enough to promote the healing on its own. For more severe fractures that affect vision or the eye itself need to be dealt with in other ways. An oculoplastic specialist can carry out an orbital fracture repair surgery in such cases.