If you have sustained an orbital fracture around your eye, you may need to consider reconstructive surgery to prevent damage to your eye and vision. If the eye socket which consists of the bone around your eye have been damaged, they can potentially break. To prevent further damage and/or the possibility of an infection within your eye(s), ensure you receive proper treatment and care immediately.
A few symptoms relating to an orbital fracture include poor vision, double vision, pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, or a sunken eye. If you have sustained a facial fracture, there are various types of treatment to restore both function and provide aesthetic enhancement.
Reconstruction Following the Loss of an Eye:
If the eye itself is lost due to infection, injury, or any number of other reasons, surgery is often required to restore function to the eyelids, eye socket, and other structures so that a prosthetic eye can be fitted. This may involve tightening the upper and lower eyelids and increasing the orbital volume with implants or fat grafts.
Socket Reconstructive Surgery and Repair
Socket repair is a complex and involved surgical procedure that Dr. Schwarcz performs in both of his New York practices. As a board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, he has specific training pertaining to the delicate and difficult reconstruction of functional and aesthetic aspects of the eyes. Enucleation is the surgical removal of the eye, while evisceration is removal of the contents of the eye. Removal of the eye might be necessary after trauma, infection or a tumor, which is causing intractable pain. Proper removal of the eye and placement of the orbital implant is of utmost importance to allow for a good cosmetic and functional outcome with the prosthesis in place. In most cases, the muscles are attached to the implant to preserve and protect eye movement post-surgery.
A patient generally waits one month before going to an ocularist for the fitting and make of a prosthesis. Following the removal of the eye, only the white of the eye remains, which appears pink. This remaining element is referred to as the socket. There are times when the socket could contract, or be malformed which would have to be addressed surgically to allow for the best fit for the prosthesis.
What to Expect Following Oculoplastic Surgery:
Most patients take several weeks to fully recover from oculoplastic surgery. In addition to rest and relaxation, it is essential that the eye is kept clean according to the doctor's instructions. For example, a prosthetic eye generally must be removed and cleaned with soap and water on a daily basis. Children with prosthetic eyes typically undergo multiple fittings to account for changes in their facial structure as they grow.
Consulting an Oculoplastic Surgery Specialist:
Because the anatomy of the eyelid is delicate and complex, it is important to consult an experienced oculoplastic surgeon to ensure the best possible cosmetic and functional results. It is unlikely that a doctor in an emergency room will have the same level of experience and expertise in dealing with eyelid reconstruction. Dr. Robert Schwarcz is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon specializing in repairing and reconstructing the eyelids, orbits, and their surrounding structures. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation.