The work of oculoplastic surgery is related to deformities around the eye and the eye socket. This is in contrast to ophthalmic surgery that is concerned with the treatment of the cornea, lens, and retina.
The Path To Becoming An Oculoplastic Surgeon
In India and other Commonwealth nations, the first step is to complete an MBBS degree. This lasts for 4 years. After that, the doctors obtain a specialization of 2 years in ophthalmology. This is followed by a diploma in oculoplastic surgery. Thus, oculoplastic surgery in Delhi is conducted by an eye surgeon who has knowledge of facial plastic surgery, especially the upper part.
Treatments Possible Under Oculoplastic Surgery
The treatment areas are the eyelids, orbit, and tear ducts.
Ptosis –
This is caused by drooping eyelids. The upper eyelid covers a part of the eye and thus narrows the field of vision. It is, at times, wrongly referred to as a lazy eye. In severe cases, ptosis can completely cover the cornea and prevent light from entering the eye. It may be congenital or caused by ageing and injury in adults.
Entropion –
The eyelids may turn inwards or fold outwards. This causes friction and extreme discomfort. They can be corrected by botox injections and stitches.
Tumours –
Tumours are bulging mass of tissue that may grow on any part of the body, including eyelids. The weight of the tumour causes the eye to close completely. It is removed through excision surgery of the eyelid.
Orbital Fractures –
Due to a fall or other blunt trauma, the orbital bones may fracture. This causes the eye to be displaced and hampers the focusing and causes double vision. Orbital fractures are repaired with surgery to remove bone fragments and repair the eye socket.
Lacrimal Drainage –
Blocked tear ducts happen due to infection or injury. This leaves the eyes watery and swollen.
To remove the blockage, a balloon is inserted into the tear duct by the surgeon.
Exophthalmic Goitre –
A painful condition caused by an overactive thyroid, which causes the eye to bulge out. Using surgery, the position of the eye can be returned back to normal.
Risks
Oculoplastic surgery does not pose any more significant risk factors than other types of surgery. It is not usual to require general anaesthesia, so risks are more limited. Of course, things can go wrong in any surgery. The perforation of the eye is the principal risk.
Also, there may be a lack of symmetry following surgery between the two eyes.
Conclusion
Though it is a new domain, oculoplastic surgery is practised in India by a large number of surgeons.
Since the cost of treatment in India is less compared to the west, there are patients not only from surrounding countries but also from the US and Europe.
Indian eye hospitals use the latest equipment and protocols that place them on a par with western counterparts.