Oculoplastic
What Is Oculoplastic Surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery is a specialised plastic surgery that focuses on the periorbital area and face. It is also known as oculo-facial surgery since the eyelids are connected to the forehead and cheeks, and it addresses the lacrimal (tear drainage) system and orbits (deeper tissues around the eyeball).
It includes both medical and cosmetic procedures that improve the functionality and appearance of the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding areas, including the bony orbit and paranasal sinuses. These operations are critical not only for restoring vision and ocular health, but also for improving the aesthetic appeal of the eyes and revitalising the entire facial appearance.
Oculoplastic Conditions
Droopy
Eyelids
Drooping eyelids occur due to aging or weak muscles.
Eyelid Malpositions
Entropian causes eyelids to turn inward while Ectropian is the outward turning of the eyelids.
Blocked
Tear Ducts
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction prevents tears from draining.
Eyelid Tumours
Tumors can develop on or around the eyelids causing cosmetic and health issues.
Ingrown Eyelashes
Trichiasis treatment consists of removing ingrown eyelashes that grow inwards.
Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid, which is most commonly seen with ageing, but can also be caused by weak eyelid muscles due to nerve injury or at birth (congenital ptosis). A drooping upper lid can be mild and asymptomatic or can be significant enough to block a person’s vision. Oculoplastic surgery can treat ptosis by addressing the weak muscles that lift the eyelid, thus improving the vision while enhancing the eye’s cosmetic appeal.
Entropion occurs when the eyelid margin is directed inward, forcing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea, resulting in irritation and pain. Ectropion, on the other hand, is the outward turning of the eyelid, which causes exposure and dryness of the eyes. Oculoplastic surgeries can efficiently correct these malpositions, restoring adequate eyelid alignment and function.
Courtesy of www.oculoplasticsurgery.com.au, 2024
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction prevents tears from draining from the eyes into the nose, resulting in excessive tearing, ocular discomfort, and recurring infections. Oculoplastic surgery can unblock or bypass a clogged tear duct, allowing tears to drain normally and relieving discomfort.
Benign and malignant tumours can develop on sun exposed areas on or around the eyelids, causing both cosmetic and health issues. Oculoplastic surgeons are skilled to remove these tumours while preserving the function and appearance of the eyelids, assuring full removal and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Courtesy of www.sciencephoto.com, 2024
Inwardly directed eyelashes, or lash misdirection, can be the result of certain eye conditions that cause the eyelashes to grow inward, instead of outward. When this happens, the eyelashes rub painfully against the outer surface of the eye, known as the cornea. This can cause irritation, as well as corneal erosions or abrasions which predispose to corneal infections. Oculoplastic treatment involves assessing the underlying cause of the inwardly directed lashes to determine treatment. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the eyelash misdirection.
Courtesy of https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/trichiasis/, 2024
Our comprehensive oculoplastic services include a variety of treatments suited to each patient’s specific needs. These services include:
Oculoplastic Services
Reconstructive oculoplastic surgery for eyelid malpositions helps to return the eyelid to its natural position. The lower eyelid is most commonly involved, although the upper lid can also be affected.
The lid can be inward turned (entropion), outward turned (ectropion), or in some cases, pulled downwards. Management of eyelid malpositions involves identifying the root cause, and then executing a carefully tailored surgical plan for the patient.
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical treatment that treats tear duct obstruction by establishing a new drainage channel from the eyes to the nose. DCR relieves symptoms of crying, ocular discomfort, and recurring infections by restoring normal tear outflow.
Eyelid tumours are often slow growing and may be overlooked until they grow larger and affect other surrounding lid or orbit structures. Management often requires surgical excision with biopsy to determine if the tumour is benign or malignant.
Whilst the goal of surgery is to completely remove the lid tumour and reduce the likelihood of recurrence; it is also equally important to maintain the function and structure of the natural eyelid. Hence, early detection and prompt management is key.
Trichiasis treatment consists of removing ingrown eyelashes that grow inwards towards the eye, producing discomfort, redness, and probable corneal injury. Trichiasis is treated surgically or with lasers to prevent recurring eyelash misdirection.
Courtesy of https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/trichiasis/, 2024
Blepharoplasty is the surgical removal of extra skin, muscle, and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This process rejuvenates the appearance of the eyes by eliminating sagging skin, puffiness, and wrinkles, leaving them looking youthful and refreshed.
Cosmetic enhancement injections temporarily paralyse the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles around the eyes, like crow’s feet and frown lines. The cosmetic enhancement injections work by relaxing these muscles to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, giving the periocular area a young and refreshed appearance.
Our Oculoplastic Surgery Specialist
Dr. Gillian Teh
MBBS (London), MMed (Ophth), FAMS
Ophthalmology Consultant - Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Sub-specialties: Oculoplastic, Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Languages: English, Mandarin
- Clinical Tutor at the National University of Singapore (NUS) - Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
- Former Consultant at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
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