Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disorder that impacts the tissues around the eyes. The immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue around the eyes. This causes inflammation and swelling which results in bulging eyes. Thyroid eye disease also causes several other unwanted symptoms. Common symptoms include double vision, blurred vision sensitivity to light, dry eyes, redness, and eye pain. These symptoms can impact your confidence and overall quality of life. You may wonder, is orbital decompression surgery worth it?

Is Orbital Decompression Surgery Worth It?

Orbital decompression surgery helps relieve pressure, improve eye appearance, and restore comfort. The surgery removes small amounts of bone or fat from the eye socket. This creates more space for swollen tissues. This helps the eyes move back into a more natural position. There are several benefits associated with orbital decompression surgery.

Minimizes Eye Bulging

One of the most common and noticeable symptoms of thyroid eye disease is proptosis. Proptosis is also referred to as eye bulging. This can completely change the way you look and your overall facial aesthetic. It can also make you feel self-conscious since it is so noticeable. Orbital decompression surgery helps your eyes move back into a more natural position. This improves the function of our eyes. However, it also improves the appearance of your eyes and your overall look.

Addresses Double Vision

Patients with thyroid eye disease often experience double vision. This occurs because the tissues behind the eyes are swollen. The swollen tissues behind affect the eye muscles. This leads to double vision which can make daily tasks difficult. Many people with thyroid eye disease struggle with reading and driving due to the impact of double vision. Orbital decompression improves or eliminates double vision entirely.

Reduces Risk of Further Complications

Untreated thyroid eye disease can cause further complications. In fact, if left untreated it can cause vision loss. Thyroid eye disease puts too much pressure on the optic nerve. This can be dangerous and lead to severe vision issues. Orbital decompression surgery effectively relieves this pressure. This dramatically reduces your risk of vision loss related to the condition.

Eliminates Eye Discomfort

Thyroid eye disease comes with so many unwanted symptoms. These can impact your eyes and make daily life extremely difficult. Common symptoms include dryness, irritation, and light sensitivity. When the eyes are bulging forward it can make it difficult to close them. Because of this, unwanted symptoms occur. Orbital decompression surgery addresses eye bulging which eliminates eye discomfort.

Long-lasting Solution

For those with thyroid eye disease, long-term relief is essential. There are several treatment options for the condition. However, orbital decompression surgery from an oculofacial surgeon provides permanent relief. You do not need to get a second surgery to address the condition. For many patients, this is the ultimate benefit of the surgery.

Candidates For Orbital Decompression Surgery

Orbital decompression surgery is a procedure designed to address the unwanted symptoms of thyroid eye disease. However, not everyone with the condition is a good candidate for the procedure. A skilled oculofacial surgeon can determine if you are a good candidate. Below are the common requirements to be a good candidate for the surgery.

Severe Eye Bulging

Patients with severe eye bulging are good candidates for the surgery. This is because severe eye bulging indicates inflammation of the tissue around the eyes. This can impact the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. It also impacts the day-to-day life of patients due to dry eyes, double vision, and discomfort. Orbital decompression surgery can address severe eye bulging and other unwanted symptoms.

Chronic Pain

Patients who constantly feel pain, pressure, or discomfort around their eyes are often good candidates for the surgery. Many patients feel pain or discomfort, even when resting. This can make daily tasks difficult and reduce one’s overall quality of life. Orbital decompression relieves pressure in the eye sockets by creating more space. This can significantly reduce pain and irritation.

Difficulty Closing Your Eyes

Eye bulging can make it difficult to fully close one’s eyes. This leads to several unwanted symptoms, including dryness, irritation, and double vision. It can also increase the risk of corneal damage. To ensure that the surface of your eyes stays healthy, orbital decompression surgery is an effective treatment option.

Vision Issues

If you have vision issues related to thyroid eye disease, you are a good candidate for the procedure. Common vision issues include double vision. This is caused by inflammation and eye muscle misalignment. More severe vision issues include color changes or even vision loss. Orbital decompression surgery is necessary in these instances.

Who Might Not Be a Good Candidate For Surgery?

Not everyone who has thyroid eye disease is a good candidate for orbital decompression surgery. Less invasive treatment options may be enough to manage the condition. If your symptoms are mild they can sometimes be managed with eye drops or steroids. However, if your symptoms are not effectively managed with conservative treatment options, you can discuss that with your oculofacial surgeon.

If you want orbital decompression surgery but to meet the candidacy requirements, it is not the end of the road. It may be possible in the future. Many patients with thyroid eye disease are in the active phase of the condition. Surgery is most beneficial when the inflammation has stabilized. This can take anywhere from six to eighteen months. Additionally, those with other serious health conditions may not be good candidates right away. Managing your health reduces your surgical risks.

Schedule Your Consultation

The first step in moving forward with orbital decompression surgery is scheduling a consultation. A skilled oculofacial surgeon can determine if you are a good candidate. The consultation involves an assessment of your symptoms, a physical examination, and a review of your medical history. It is helpful to share your expectations and ask any questions at this appointment. The oculofacial surgeon can assess your condition and create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs. If you want to move forward with the process, contact the team at Dr. Jennifer Murdock Oculofacial Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation!