Orbital decompression surgery removes or repositions bone and sometimes fat from the eye socket to create more space. It is most often performed for thyroid eye disease when bulging eyes or pressure threaten vision or cause significant symptoms.
How orbital decompression works
Through hidden incisions inside the eyelids or at the outer corner, the surgeon opens selected walls of the orbit and may remove orbital fat. This allows the eye to settle back and reduces pressure on the optic nerve and surrounding structures.
- Usually carried out under general anaesthetic
- Imaging is used to plan exactly which walls and tissues to address
- Swelling and bruising are expected but improve over several weeks
- Further eyelid surgery may later refine position and symmetry
Further information
Complex orbital surgery is undertaken within advanced oculoplastic surgery services at Blue Fin Vision®. Information on urgent eye symptoms and when to seek help is covered in top 10 signs of an eye infection.
