Daniel Buerger, M.D.
Opthalmology
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Each year, thousands of people suffer needlessly from conditions dealing with the orbit or eye socket, eyelids, tear ducts and the face. Effective treatments not only improve function, but can also offer aesthetic benefits that improve appearance.
Repair of orbital fractures, for example, can repair double vision while eliminating a sunken eye appearance. A procedure that repairs droopy eyelid skin may also improve peripheral vision.
The specialized and delicate procedures are primarily performed by ophthalmologists who are also trained in oculoplastic surgery. These highly qualified doctors can diagnose and treat complex eye and facial disorders in ways that can dramatically improve one's quality of life.
The following are some conditions and methods of treatment.
Baggy Eyelids
Some people are born with this condition, also known as "puffy" or "heavy" eyelids, and others develop it as they age or through injury. An oculoplastic surgeon, using a technique called, Blepharoplasty, removes excess fat and skin through tiny incisions that leave little or no scarring.
Bulging Eyes
When the eyeball is pushed forward, exposing an abnormal amount of the eye "white," a bulging appearance occurs. Causes include a swelling, growth or tumor behind the eye. The most common cause is Graves' disease characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. Treatment varies according to the specific cause.
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Droopy Eyelids
This condition, called "ptosis," occurs when the muscle and tendon that lifts the eyelid becomes weak or slack, causing the upper eyelid to hang down over the eye. Some are born with ptosis and some may acquire it as the tendon becomes weak. Cataract surgery can sometimes cause ptosis. This is a treatable condition in the hands of an oculoplastic specialist.
Dry or Watery Eyes
When tear ducts become blocked, due to injury, infection, aging or congenital reasons, it can result in excessive tearing or no tearing at all. Symptoms include a crusting or layer of puss forming around the eyelid. A procedure called "dacryocystorhhinostomy," using silicon or collagen plugs to keep the tear ducts open and unobstructed, is sometimes recommended.
Eye Tumors
Any type of unusual tissue growth in the eye, eyelid or orbit could be a benign or malignant tumor. Removal can often be performed in an outpatient setting with lab results returned in hours. First step is to see an ophthalmologist.
The oculoplastic surgeon, trained first as an ophthalmologist, and secondly as an oculoplastic specialist, has immense skill and training to deal with complex eyelid, orbital tear duct, and facial plastics procedures. Don't hesitate to discuss with your ophthalmologist his or her training and experience with any given procedure.
Seek a qualified ophthalmologist. Too many people suffer needlessly from eye and facial disorders when there are many treatment options available that will repair the problem while allowing patients to feel better about their appearance.
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