Centre For Sight

Traditionally Ophthalmologists have been perceived as doctors who take care of vision related problems of the eye. But this is just a part of a wide spectrum of conditions that an ophthalmologist comes across.

A large number of patients who visit an ophthalmologist have a problem which involves structures around the eye or what is known as the periocular region.

An ophthalmic plastic surgeon deals not only with the diseases of the eye, but also the periocular region (eyelids, eyebrows, and orbit) and still a further step ahead with aesthetic aspect of face around the eye.

The documented history of eyelid surgery finds its beginnings in the writings of Susruta, a legendary Indian surgeon who is thought to have lived over 2000 years ago. Although the practice of surgery became less popular after early interest, it experienced a rebirth in the 10th and 11th centuries. At that time, Arabian surgeons were noted to remove excess skin folds to improve vision—our first documentation of functional blepharoplasty.

Our eyes are by far considered by many to be the most important feature on our face. Overtime, their beauty can be greatly reduced by aging, creases and eyebags. This is all the more true in modern times, where average life span has increased and people are more conscious of their looks. Moreover, a youthful appearance induces confidence and makes way to a more positive personality.

The aesthetic aspect of ophthalmology deals with rejuvenation and enhancement of facial features with the help of various surgical and non surgical methods.

Some of the procedures include Botox injections, which is a simple non surgical treatment for wrinkles around eyes, forhead, crowlines. With aging, one may start noticing periocular hollows and folds which occur due to loss of tone and sagging of tissues around the eyes. For this natural fillers like Restylane are injected with an ultra fine needle in problem areas. Procedure is simple, convenient, results are visible immediately.

Almost everyone develops sagging around their eyes. Loose excess skin or weak muscle can cause upper lid sagging. Also bags may develop under the eyes with age, even young people may have this problem. The procedure called blepharoplasty is performed for such a condition. Incision in the eyelid is small and is hidden in the natural eyelid skin crease.

Fat from one part of body can be added or removed from the periocular region in certain cases to enhance the appearance depending upon the requirement.

The ophthalmic plastic surgery helps correct abnormal eyelid positions (droopy eyelids) which may be there since birth in some children or develops later on in adults. Problems related to excessive watering from the eyes may be because of blockade of the tear draining system of the eye and these can be effectively treated with a simple surgery. Patients who suffer paralysis attack often have difficulty in eyelid closure, which can also be dealt effectively.

Orbit-the bony cavity in which the eyeball resides often gets affected by infections especially in diabetics and is also a seat of various kinds of tumors which may be benign or malignant and become manifest usually by a bulging or increased prominence of the eye ball. Eye may be the first organ to get affected in certain conditions like thyroid dysfunction. A timely intervention by a trained ophthalmic plastic surgeon may help avoid complications to the eye and rest of the body.

Trauma which may range from a minor laceration of the eyelid to a major fracture of the orbital bones is well taken care of by an ophthalmic plastic surgeon. Proper and timely repair and reconstruction of eyelid injuries is important as the type of primary intervention that a patient receives has a bearing on subsequent scarring and deformities that may develop later.

Oncology and ophthalmic plastic surgery are intimately linked. The incidence of cancers like sebaceous gland carcinoma, basal cell carcinomas in and around the eye is on rise as we see more and more people now entering their 7 th or 8th decades of life. A proper surgical intervention in association with a medical/radiation oncologist ensures a longer life and a better quality of life for these patients.

Furthermore, cosmetic fitting of a natural looking artificial prosthesis is also possible and is of utmost importance in restoring the self esteem in a person who has had to suffer the loss of one of his eyes.

Keeping in tune with the emerging trends in various sub-specialties of ophthalmology, we look forward to raise standards of patient care, and to greater patient satisfaction.