The orbit is also known as the eye socket. It is the box where the eyeball sits. Different disease of the eye socket or orbit could result in the need for surgery. These disease include eye socket tumors, tumors of the lacrimal gland, Graves disease, idiopathic orbital inflammation and orbital fractures. 

 

What are the most common orbital diseases that Dr Thiagarajah treats?

 

The two most common diseases oculoplastic surgeons treats are orbital fractures and graves disease. Dr Thiagarajah has written extensively about graves disease and its treatment. Orbital fracture is the other disease that Dr Thiagarajah treats.

 

When does Dr T fix an orbital fracture?

 

Dr T repairs orbital fractures for three reasons: 1. Double vision 2. Fractures with entrapment of muscle 3. Enophthalmos or sinking in of the eye. Each case is different and Dr Thiagarajah discusses the risks of the procedure with each patient along with the potential benefits. Not all fractures need to be fixed and some patients do well if their fracture is not repaired. 

 

How long does Orbital Surgery take?

 

Orbital surgery takes roughly 1 to 2 hours to perform. It is an outpatient procedure and patients go home that day. In rare cases, Dr Thiagarajah may admit patients overnight in the hospital if there is extensive cancer. Normally for orbital fractures or Graves disease, patients are able to go home the same day. 

 

Do I need someone to be with me for my Orbital Surgery?

 

In short, yes. Orbital surgery is performed under general anesthesia. As a result, you will need someone to bring you and take you home. 

 

What are the risks of  Orbital Surgery?

 

The biggest risk of orbital surgery is vision loss or double vision. Additionally, there are the risks of bleeding,scarring, infection, need for more surgery and problems with the implant if one is used. 

 

When can I resume normal activities after Orbital Surgery?

 

Most patients can resume normal activities roughly 2 weeks after orbital surgery. Patient should not blow their nose after surgery as the stent that is placed during surgery can be dislodged. The biggest risk of orbital surgery is bleeding behind the eye that causes vision loss. This can be induced through exercise or heavy lifting or bending which should not be done for two weeks after surgery.

 

When do the stitches come out after Orbital Surgery?

 

Stitches after Orbital Surgery are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.