What is orbital decompression surgery?
Orbital decompression surgery helps patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). In TED the soft tissues within the eye socket can expand and this can cause the eye to move forwards.
This can potentially make the surface of the eye uncomfortable or cause pressure on the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain. Decompression surgery increases the space within the eye socket to allow the eye to sit further back and to potentially reduce pressure on the nerve.
What does this involve?
Think of the problem as a bag of shopping that won’t all fit inside a cardboard box.
If holes are made in the sides of the box the shopping will fit inside and the lid can be closed.
Instead of a cardboard box we make holes in the wall of the eye socket. This often involves inner and outer walls but may also involve the floor of the eye socket. This allows the eye to sit further back where it is protected.
What can I expect after surgery?
The eyelids will be bruised after surgery. You will have a drain in place that will normally be removed on the first morning. You will see sutures in the upper eyelid extending to the side of the eye and these will be removed at between 1 and 2 weeks.
What do I need to do after surgery
You should avoid any strenuous activity including lifting heavy objects for a least a week and avoid swimming for three weeks after surgery. You should also try and avoid blowing your nose for a few days.
We advise that you apply ice compresses to the eyelids after surgery for three times a day for 5 minutes each time. This is to help reduce the bruising.
We normally see you after surgery to check on the position of the eye.
