Oculoplastic Eye Surgery

An oculoplastic procedure is the term used for surgery around your eyes. Surgery can involve your eyelid, eye socket, tear ducts, eyebrow, cheeks or other parts of the face.

There are many reasons people need surgery around their eyes. You might have problems with your tear ducts, for instance. Or you may have a health condition that affects your eyes. If you need eye surgery, you may have many questions. Read on to learn more about eye surgery.

Common Oculoplastic Procedures

Some of the common reasons for eye surgery include:

  • Repairing drooping eyelids (ptosis)
  • Repairing eyelids that turn inward or outward
  • Repairing tear ducts
  • Repairing birth defects
  • Removing skin cancers around the eye
  • Repairing problems caused by diseases such as Graves disease or Bell Palsy

Oculoplastic surgery is also involved in some cosmetic procedures such as face lifts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oculoplastics

An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist who has trained in reconstructive surgery. Pediatric ophthalmologists perform eye surgeries on children.

In most cases, your ophthalmologist can perform the surgery at their office. You will receive local anesthesia. You should be able to go home shortly after the surgery. In some cases, your doctor will perform the surgery at a hospital or surgical center.

The staff at Kovach Eye Institute will find out if your insurance covers the procedure. They’ll also find out how much of the cost you will have to pay if it is covered. Some of these procedures are elective, meaning they are not covered by insurance. Be sure that you understand the benefits you will receive from the surgery. You must decide if the benefits are worth the costs to you if insurance won’t pay for the surgery.

After your eye surgery is scheduled, you may have to see your regular health care provider. You might need to have some routine tests to show it’s OK for you to undergo surgery. If you take certain medications to thin your blood, you may have to stop taking them before the procedure. If you see a cardiologist, you will have to visit them as well as your regular doctor.

Your surgeon may give you a list of other medications that you should avoid before surgery. These could include prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Once you’re cleared for surgery, you’ll have a pre-operative meeting with your surgeon. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to stay with you for several hours after.

Your specific after-care routine will depend on what kind of surgery you had. Your surgeon will give you instructions to follow. The instructions will likely include:

  • Take it easy. For the first day or two, your surgeon might suggest staying in bed.
  • Apply cool compresses around your eyes for a few days. This helps to reduce swelling and bruising.
  • Avoid strenuous activity. Don’t lift anything heavy or do any exercising until your doctor says it’s OK to resume normal activities. This could be a week to three weeks after surgery.
  • Avoid certain medications if your doctor tells you to. You should also avoid alcohol for at least a week.
  • Follow instructions for bathing around the surgery area.
    Watch for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling. Call your eye doctor if your incision isn’t healing or your vision gets worse.
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When it comes to oculoplastic procedures, you’re in the best hands with Kovach Eye Institute.

Schedule an oculoplastic consultation at Kovach Eye Institute. We have four convenient locations in Illinois: Elmhurst, Naperville, South Barrington, and Lincolnwood. Schedule an appointment today by calling us at 630-833-9621 or request an appointment online.

The doctors at Kovach Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.