South African Society of Oculoplastic Surgeons

Oculoplastic surgery

Oculoplastic surgery includes a wide variety of surgical procedures that deal with the orbit (eye socket), eyelids, tear ducts and the face.

In the United States, United Kingdom and parts of Europe, oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologists who deal exclusively with these procedures. The South African Society of Oculoplastic Surgeons (SASOPS) was formed in 2006.

Oculoplastic procedures

These can be either reconstructive or cosmetic...

Reconstructive

Removal of tumours of the eyelid and orbit and reconstruction of the eyelids and periorbital area. The emphasis of reconstruction is on proper function of the eyelids and aesthetic appearance.

Blepharoptosis repair
This is elevation of a droopy upper eyelid
Ectropion repair
This is elevation of a droopy lower eyelid.
Entropion repair
Sometimes the eyelid turns inward causing the lashes to abrade the cornea and this can be surgically repaired.
Canthoplasty
In which the shape of the eye can be modified to improve the function of the lower eyelid as well as the aesthetic appearance.
Surgery for facial palsy
In facial palsy the function of the eyelids is severely affected and this can be markedly improved by surgery.
Thyroid Eye Disease
This can profoundly affect the appearance of the orbit and eyelids. Many procedures exist to improve the function of the lids, the comfort of the eyes and the appearance of the eyes in thyroid eye disease.
Surgery of the lacrimal apparatus
In which procedures are performed to improve drainage of tears from the eye and to help prevent tearing.

Cosmetic

Blepharoplasty
The folds of skin and bags around the eyes are removed and smoothed out. Although this is often done for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons, these skin folds and bags can interfere with the function of the eyelids and can interfere with vision, by blocking the vision to the top and to the side. These bags can then be removed in order to reduce the weight of the eyelids and improve eyelid and visual function.
Brow lifts and forehead lifts.
The brows can drop with ageing and force the tissue of the eyelid onto the eye. The brow can be elevated surgically to reduce the weight on the upper eyelid and to improve the aesthetic appearance.
Botox injections and fillers. Eg Restylane.
Insertion of orbital prostheses
For example coral implants to improve the function and appearance of the socket once the eye has been removed.