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. The eye disorder is a state in which 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 bulged-out eye.
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 also 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 and restore functions of the eye with orbital decompression surgery. It is a category of oculoplastic surgery, which is aimed to recover the conditions occurring in the eye socket.
A comprehensive assessment is carried out by the surgeon before the surgical procedure to focus on the areas that need to be targeted to treat the condition. In addition, the protruded eye is fully measured and the professionals execute full eye examination. With this surgery, the surgeons focus on creating adequate space in the orbit so that the eye 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 eye can be removed. Also, the thin lining covering the eyeball is cut, so the fatty material and muscle around the eye can be increased. Some of the fatty material is removed for aesthetic reasons.
This procedure lasts for approximately 1-2 hours for both eyes. Besides, the surgery will not leave any scars, as the cuts are hidden behind the lower eyelids. Since the surgery is related to a sensitive area of the body; hence, 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. To minimize this inflammation and chances of having an infection, some antibiotics or pain relievers will be prescribed. 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 the nose 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 world’s renowned surgeon, Pr. Pierre Bouletreau who is specialized to perform 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, then look no further than the MedDental Clinic.
Before/After Cases of Orbital Decompression Surgery
Patient, Male, 52 y/o
Condition: Graves' Ophthalmopathy
Treatment Plan: Orbital Decompression Surgery
| Before | After |
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Patient, Female, 45 y/o
Condition: Graves' Ophthalmopathy
Treatment Plan: Orbital Decompression Surgery
| Before | After |
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Patient, Female, 52 y/o
Condition: Graves' Ophthalmopathy
Treatment Plan: Orbital Decompression Surgery
| Before | After |
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FAQ`s
Is the procedure painful?
The whole surgery is performed under the influence of general anesthesia, so the patient is unaware during the procedure. That is why the patient does not experience any pain.
What happens after the surgery?
After the surgery, the patient can experience some pain that is why he is prescribed some pain medications. Antibiotics are also prescribed to reduce the chances of any infection.
How is Grave’s disease treated?
Grave’s disease is triggered by the overproduction of thyroid hormone; thus, it is treated with anti-thyroid medications and surgical procedures.