Oculoplastics, or oculoplastic surgery, includes a wide variety of surgical procedures that deal with the orbit, eyelids, tear ducts, and the face. It also deals with the reconstruction of the eye and associated structures.
Training
An oculoplastic surgeon is a specialized ophthalmologist who has completed one or two years of additional fellowship training following ophthalmology residency. Members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are the most highly qualified oculoplastic surgeons in North America. To qualify, a member must have passed both the certification exams, as well as written and oral board examinations through ASOPRS. A candidate must also have made a significant contribution to the field of oculoplastics, which may take the form of a peer-reviewed publication. Such other surgeons as plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be trained in oculoplastic procedures as well. The total additional training time for an ASOPRS Oculoplastic surgeon is 2 years after a 4 year Ophthalmology residency. The most highly qualified oculoplastic surgeons in the United Kingdom are members of the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society.
Oculoplastic procedures
Oculoplastic surgeons perform procedures such as the repair of droopy eyelids, repair of tear duct obstructions, orbital fracture repairs, removal of tumors in and around the eyes, eyelid and facial reconstruction.
*Canaliculodacryocystostomy is a surgical correction for a congenitally blocked tear duct in which the closed segment is excised and the open end is joined to the lacrimal sac.
*A dacryoadenectomy is the surgical removal of a lacrimal gland.
*A dacryocystectomy is the surgical removal of a part of the lacrimal sac.
*A dacryocystorhinostomy or dacryocystorhinotomy is a procedure to restore the flow of tears into the nose from the lacrimal sac when the nasolacrimal duct does not function.
*A dacryocystostomy is an incision into the lacrimal sac, usually to promote drainage.
*A dacryocystotomy is an incision into the lacrimal sac.
Eye removal
*An enucleation is the removal of the eye leaving the eye muscles and remaining orbital contents intact.
*An evisceration is the removal of the eye's contents, leaving the scleral shell intact. Usually performed to reduce pain in a blind eye.
*An exenteration is the removal of the entire orbital contents, including the eye, extraocular muscles, fat, and connective tissues; usually for malignant orbital tumors.
