Eye Socket Surgery

Raji can manage eye socket lesions including benign and malignant masses. This may require an orbital biopsy to diagnose a lesion before definitive management can take place. Raji will discuss with you in clinic the specifics relating to surgery.

In cases of eye socket masses you may need to be scanned at the hospital in the form of either a CT or an MRI scan. In some cases both scans will be needed.

Eye socket reconstruction is usually required after eye removal. Patients may present with an asymmetrical appearance. The artificial eye may appear deep-set compared to the other side. The upper eyelid may appear sunken or lower than it should be.

What does the surgery normally involve?

In cases whereby there is not enough volume in the eye socket after eye removal we will often aim to increase the volume by either exchanging your current orbital implant for a larger one; this is known as a secondary orbital implant. In some cases a secondary orbital implant is not possible and the volume will be replaced using fat taken from the abdomen. This will be discussed with you when planning the surgery.

What can I expect after surgery?

Often after eye socket surgery your eye will be padded for 3-4 days. You will be booked for review within the first week to have the pad removed. In the first few days after surgery you will be prescribed an oral antibiotic. You may feel nauseous or even feint at times shortly after surgery to the eye socket.

On removing the pad you will be able to see a clear conformer (shell) in the eye socket which will stay in place for the initial 4-6 weeks. Your eyelids may be a little swollen and this will usually settle within a few days.

Raji will show you how to clean your eyelids and socket and how to apply an antibiotic ointment.

What do I need to do after surgery?

Normally we ask that you keep the wounds around your eye clean after surgery. You can clean the wound by allowing boiled water to cool and gently dabbing the wounds with a cotton bud.

We will give you some antibiotic ointment (usually Chloramphenicol) to apply to the wounds and to the eyes after the surgery to help protect against infection.

We do not normally need to remove any stitches unless you have had simultaneous eyelid surgery.

You should avoid any strenuous activity including lifting heavy objects for at least two weeks and avoid swimming for three weeks after surgery.