Oculoplasty
Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery around the eye
Overview
Oculoplasty (oculoplastic surgery) deals with the eyelids, orbit (eye socket), lacrimal (tear drainage) system, and the area around the eye. It combines ophthalmology and plastic surgery to treat both functional and cosmetic conditions.
Oculoplastic surgeons treat conditions ranging from drooping eyelids and blocked tear ducts to orbital tumours and facial reconstruction after trauma. Procedures are performed with precision to preserve both function and appearance.
Signs & Symptoms
- Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
- Eyelid turning inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion)
- Excessive tearing (blocked tear duct)
- Bulging eyes (proptosis)
- Eyelid lumps or tumours
- Facial asymmetry around the eyes
- Difficulty closing the eye
Causes & Risk Factors
- Age-related changes (ptosis, ectropion)
- Thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease)
- Trauma or injury to the eye area
- Tumours of the eyelid or orbit
- Congenital eyelid abnormalities
- Blocked nasolacrimal duct
- Facial nerve palsy
Treatment Options
Ptosis Repair
Surgical correction of drooping eyelids to restore normal eyelid position and improve vision and appearance.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
Surgery to create a new tear drainage pathway when the nasolacrimal duct is blocked, relieving excessive tearing.
Orbital Decompression
Surgery to relieve pressure in the eye socket, commonly performed for thyroid eye disease causing proptosis.
Eyelid Tumour Excision & Reconstruction
Removal of eyelid tumours (including basal cell carcinoma) with reconstruction to restore normal eyelid function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ptosis surgery covered by insurance?
Ptosis surgery is usually covered by health insurance when it is causing functional vision impairment. Purely cosmetic procedures may not be covered.
Can blocked tear ducts be treated without surgery?
In infants, blocked tear ducts often resolve on their own by 12 months with massage. In adults, surgery (DCR) is usually required for persistent blockage.