Bulgy Eye Treatment
While the most common cause of bulgy eyes is inherited bulgy eyes, the second most common cause is from a condition called Grave’s disease. This results from the abnormal hormonal balance experienced with Hyperthyroidism. Over time the eyes begin to bulge and could cause vision problems or actual injury to the eye. When the eyes bulge they compress other tissues and cause the eyelids to retract. These effects can cause a variety of complications and may require treatment as the disease progresses. Bulging of the eyes is clinically termed as exophthalmos and is treated through a surgical procedure known as orbital decompression. Here we will explore bulgy eye treatment along with its benefits and risks as well.
Why would a patient need bulgy eye treatment?
While bulgy eyes may be cosmetically undesirable, the condition could also lead to other complications as well. Patients may begin to experience chronic eye pain, headaches, or dryness of the cornea as the issue progresses over time. The eyes may also become red, dry, or double vision and loss of vision could also occur too. Other reasons to seek bulgy eye treatment include excessive tearing of the eye or injury to the eyes from this condition.
What is involved in bulgy eye treatment?
Bulgy eye treatment is accomplished through orbital decompression surgery. This surgery is performed through hidden incisions around the eyes/eyelids. Orbital bones are either removed or thinned, along with some orbital fat. The procedure is performed on outpatient basis, so the patient goes home after the procedure, with follow up about one week after surgery.
What are the benefits of bulgy eye treatment?
Treating bulgy eyes with orbital decompression has a variety of benefits and usually results in positive outcomes for most patients who have been experiencing pain or vision problems. Treating this condition can improve vision, reduce dry eye or excessive tearing, prevent further eye injury, and return the eyes along with the eyelids to a more normal position for the patient.
What are the risks of bulgy eye treatment?
As with any surgery there are risks. Your thyroid eye disease surgeon can help you to evaluate the risks associated with orbital decompression and your individual condition. Rare complications include bleeding, infection, double vision and extremely rarely vision loss. While these complications may seem frightening, they are very rare and the benefits far outweigh the risks in those selected to go through surgery. Talk with an orbital decompression surgeon (oculoplastic surgeon) today to learn more about this procedure and bulgy eye treatment. (An oculoplastic specialist is an ophthalmologist with specialized fellowship training in plastic surgery around the eyes and the orbit.)
