30 November 2020 Author : Joana Couceiro Oculoplastics is one of the areas of ophthalmology . It is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of the structures around the eyes , that is: Eyelids; Orbit; Lacrimal system. In ophthalmology consultations aimed at oculoplastic, disorders affecting these structures are evaluated, its causes are investigated, and treatment is oriented. In many cases, treatment involves surgery, in others the correct approach are non-surgical procedures. Oculoplastic and eyelids The eyelids are fundamental structures for the protection of the eyeball. Its anatomy and function must ensure: The correct opening of the eyelid cleft, allowing a good field of vision; Proper closure, ensuring protection of the eye surface. Changes in the eyelids can affect their anatomy, position, or function. Examples of changes in the position of the eyelids are: Ptosis or drooping eyelid; Entropion, when the edge of the eyelid turns inwards and the eyelashes contact the ocular surface, causing irritation and injuries; Ectropion, when the edge of the eyelid turns outward, ceasing to be in contact with the eyeball, causing chronic inflammation. Sometimes the position changes is not of the entire eyelid, but only the eyelashes, which can grow in an abnormal location or direction, for example: Trichiasis : in which the eyelashes maintain their normal origin on the eyelid edge, but there is a change in its orientation and eyelashes contact the ocular surface; Dysticiasis : in which eyelashes are implanted on the eyelid edge, outside their normal location, and there is a consequent contact with the ocular surface. The normal aging process is also associated with changes in the eyelids. Periocular rejuvenation is also a subject oculoplastics. With advancing age, several eyelid changes may appear: Dermatocalasia or excess skin on the eyelids; Prominence of fat pockets, commonly called; Expression wrinkles; Skin lesions. In most cases, the periocular lesions are inflammatory and benign, for example, chalazion. However, malignant changes can appear, such as basal cell carcinoma, which must be diagnosed and treated timely. Palpebral reconstruction, after removal of tumors or trauma, is also addressed and guided in this by oculoplastic. In oculoplastic, some facial movement disorders are also treated, for example: Facial paralysis; Essential blepharospasm or excessive blinking. Oculoplastic and lacrimal system The lacrimal system is responsible for draining the tears from the ocular surface to the nasal cavity. Lacrimal system disorders , both of adults and children, are addressed and treated in this area of ophthalmology. Examples include: Excessive tearing or epiphora; Infections, most often of the lacrimal sac or dacryocystitis. Oculoplastic and orbit The orbits are the bony cavities where the eyeballs are housed and have an important protective function. Inside the orbit are the eyeball, muscles, vessels, nerves and fat. The structures present inside the orbit can be affected by: Inflammatory diseases, the most common being thyroid orbitopathy; Infections, such as cellulite; Trauma; Benign and malignant tumors. The treatment of orbital diseases is performed by ophthalmology, often with with other areas of medicine. Oculoplastic also treats anophthalmic cavities, that is, orbits in which the eyeball was surgically removed. Surgical removal of the eyeball may be indicated in cases of irreversible loss of vision due to tumors, trauma, infections, or inflammation. Orbit enucleation or evisceration, as well as the subsequent aesthetic and functional rehabilitation, to adapt the ocular prosthesis, are addressed in a consultation dedicated to the orbit. Meet the ophthalmology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
