Orbital Decompression Surgery for Grave’s Ophthalmopathy

Grave’s disorder, or thyroid eye disease, is linked with autoimmune thyroid disease, which results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones. An eye disorder is when the muscles and fatty material surrounding the eyes are attacked by the antibodies (defense system). As these tissues and muscles get inflamed and swelled, it disturbs the capability of the eyes to move together and function properly, causing double vision. If this condition is not treated, the eyes are displaced from the socket, consequential to bulging of the eyes. It indicates that the eyelids cannot be closed completely, and the natural presentation of the eye is lost. The severe consequence of the disorder is permanent vision loss because the cornea and the optic nerve become damaged due to a bulged-out look.

Symptoms

The people suffering from this condition display a variety of warning signs, which include:

• Exophthalmos (abnormal protrusion or bulging of the eyeballs)
• Retraction of the eyelids
• Redness
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Itching
• Dryness and irritation
• Double vision
• Chronic headaches or eye pain

Some other clinical symptoms include enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) and irregular or rapid heartbeat (palpitations or tachycardia). Women are identified to be more vulnerable to this disease in comparison to men. In addition, smokers are more at risk of thyroid eye disease and have more intense symptoms than non-smokers.

Orbital Decompression Surgery

The eyes can be pushed back into the eye sockets, restoring eye functions with orbital decompression surgery. It is a category of oculoplastic surgery aimed at recovering the conditions occurring in the eye socket. The surgeon performs a comprehensive assessment before the surgical procedure to focus on the areas that must be targeted to treat the condition. In addition, the protruded eye is fully measured, and the professionals execute a full eye examination. With this surgery, the surgeons focus on creating adequate space in the orbit so the watch can be pushed back to its normal position and function accurately.

Procedure

The orbital decompression surgery is performed under the influence of general anesthesia, so the patient is relieved from the pain throughout the surgery. A small cut is made in the crease of the upper eyelid or the inner edge of your eye so the bone-forming outside barrier of the orbit and the bone under the watch can be removed. Also, the thin lining covering the eyeball is cut, so the fatty material and muscle around the clock can be increased. Some of the heavy material is removed for aesthetic reasons. This procedure lasts for approximately 1-2 hours for both eyes. Besides, the surgery will not leave scars, as the cuts are hidden behind the lower eyelids. Since the surgery is related to a sensitive area of the body, it is advised that the patient should plan a two-day hospitalization along with a home convalescence of a fortnight for recovery.

Post-Operative Plan of Action

After the surgery, the patients may feel periorbital bruising and swelling sometimes. Some antibiotics or pain relievers will be prescribed to minimize this inflammation and the chances of infection. To limit the edema, patients are recommended to apply fresh compresses. Small bleeding through the nose can also be witnessed, but it will stop in 2 to 3 days. Also, the patients should prevent heavy activities in addition to bending themselves and blowing their noses for more than two weeks after the surgery. Temporary double vision in some cases is also reported after the surgery, along with sensitivity issues in the lower cheek and eyelid. However, these symptoms will go away in a few weeks.

Why Choose MedDental Clinic?

At MedDental Clinic, we are proud to have one of the most experienced and renowned surgeons, Pr. Pierre Bouletreau is specialized in performing orbital decompression with effective outcomes. He is known for his expertise in orthognathic surgery and orbital decompression for Graves’ ophthalmopathy and is recognized as a top-rated surgeon in France and beyond. If you are experiencing any discomfort regarding thyroid eye disease and searching for the finest surgeons in Dubai, look no further than the MedDental Clinic.