Oculoplastics

Oculoplastics, or oculoplastic surgery, includes a wide variety of surgical procedures that deal with the orbit (eye socket), eyelids, tear ducts, and the face. It also deals with the reconstruction of the eye and associated structures. It has evolved as a distinct sub-specialty of ophthalmology gradually during the last three decades in the UK. Oculoplastic surgeons (ophthalmic surgeons) are ophthalmologists (eye physicians) who complete 1–2 years of additional fellowship training following their ophthalmology residency. Other types of surgeons may be trained in oculoplastic procedures, including plastic surgeons. Oculoplastic Surgery is sub specialty in medical field comprising the micro surgical elements of Ophthalmology with the art of Plastic Surgery. Oculoplastics is the treatment of conditions affecting the eyes and surrounding areas, and includes eyelid lifts, brow lift, cheek lift and volumisation, tear trough filler and skin care. It also includes sun damage, and management of skin tumours on and around the eyelids. Oculoplastic surgeons perform procedures such as the repair of droopy eyelids (blepharoplasty), repair of tear duct obstructions, orbital fracture repairs, and removal of tumors in and around the eyes, eyelid reconstruction. Oculoplastic surgeons often have close working links with related specialties such as dermatology, oncology, ENT and plastic surgery and may be part of a multi-disciplinary team for the management of specific conditions. The surgical repertoire of the oculoplastic and lacrimal surgeon includes correction of eyelid malpositions (eg entropion, ectropion, ptosis, lid retraction due to thyroid eye disease), treatment of in growing eyelashes, removal of tumours of the lids and surrounding tissues and reconstruction of these tissues following tumour excision or trauma.

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