Orbital decompression is surgery that enlarges the bony space around the eye to relieve pressure and reduce eye bulging. It is most often used in thyroid eye disease when prominent eyes or optic nerve compression are significant.
How the Surgery Works
Through incisions hidden in the eyelids or inside the nose, bone is removed from one or more orbital walls and sometimes orbital fat is trimmed. This allows swollen tissues to expand into adjacent sinuses so the eye can settle further back.
- Pre-operative CT imaging maps the orbit and sinuses in detail
- The procedure can be tailored for cosmetic improvement, nerve protection, or both
- General anaesthetic is usually required
- Double vision may appear or change after surgery and sometimes needs later muscle surgery
Recovery
Bruising and swelling around the eyes and nose are common for several weeks. Careful follow-up monitors vision, eye movements, and healing.
- Pain is usually manageable with standard medication
- Nasal congestion and temporary numbness of the cheek or teeth can occur
- Smoking cessation and stable thyroid control improve long-term outcomes
- Further staged eyelid or squint surgery may be planned once inflammation settles
