ORBITAL DECOMPRESSION
Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease. If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from eye complications due to thyroid disease, Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, can help with an orbital decompression at his office in Beverly Hills, California. Whether you have severe eye irritation or exophthalmos — a condition that causes bulging eyes — Dr. Douglas delivers world-class care in the field of oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery, with a specialty in patients with thyroid eye disease. Call the office or schedule an appointment with Dr. Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, online today to learn more.
Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD
WHERE CAN I GET ORBITAL DECOMPRESSION?
Dr. Douglas is highly experienced in customized orbital decompression. To learn more, call Dr. Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, or contact us to schedule a consultation online today.
Orbital Decompression Q&A
Orbital decompression is a surgery that removes bone and fat from the socket, or orbit, of the eye to relieve the symptoms of eye conditions, like exophthalmos – a condition that causes your eyes to look like they’re coming out of their sockets (bulging eyes).
this happens because thyroid eye disease causes inflammation in the eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye.
While bulging eyes can have many causes, you may have exophthalmos if you’re diagnosed with a thyroid condition, particularly Graves’ disease — an immune system disorder of the thyroid.
Some of the most common symptoms of thyroid eye disease include:
- Inability to close your eyes completely
- Bulging eyes
- Double vision
- Dry eye
- Eye irritation
- Feelings of grittiness in the eyes
- Inflammation of the eyeball
- Increased orbital pressure
- Eyeball deformation
In rare cases, untreated thyroid eye disease can impact your vision and lead to vision loss.
The team has a completely customized approach to orbital decompressions, intending to restore your appearance and eye function. Before your surgery, they order a CT scan to see precisely which areas of the eye should be targeted during the procedure. They also perform a full eye exam and take measurements of your eye protrusion.
To ensure your comfort, the team performs orbital decompression with general anesthesia, so you aren’t awake during the procedure. First, they make a small incision in the upper eyelid crease or through your caruncle — the inner corner of your eye — before removing a portion of the bone between the eye and the nose. They also take out the part of the bone that creates the outer wall of your eye socket. If necessary, they may remove bone from under your eye.
Next, the team makes another incision in the thin lining that covers your eyeball, allowing the fat and muscle around the eye to expand. For aesthetic purposes, they may remove a small amount of fat surrounding the eye.
To reduce swelling and minimize your risk of infection, the team may prescribe antibiotics, pain medication, or corticosteroids. You shouldn’t lift anything heavy, bend over, or blow you nose for at least the first week after the procedure.
It’s important to avoid strenuous activity for about two weeks during your recovery. Minor pain and swelling are normal side effects of of orbital decompression surgery. However, call the team right away if you experience severe swelling, bleeding, or pain.
before and after Orbital Decompression
Get your ORBITAL DECOMPRESSION
Dr. Douglas is highly experienced in customized orbital decompression. To learn more, call Dr. Raymond Douglas, MD, PhD, or contact us schedule a consultation online today.