DR. ASHOK EYE HOSPITAL

Orbit and Oculoplasty (Lids, Lacrimal system and Orbit)

The orbit is the bony cavity that houses the eye and its associated structures, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Disorders of the orbit may include fractures, infections

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Common conditions include ptosis (drooping eyelids), entropion (inward turning of the eyelid), and ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid), which can lead to discomfort and vision issues.

The eye in the orbital cavity

The eye is like an odd shaped sphere which is partly housed in a bony cavity. This space is called the orbital cavity and contains the muscles (which help move the eyes), fat, important nerves connecting the brain and the eye and blood vessels.

The eyeball protrudes outside the orbit, hence can be prone to injury. Orbital wall fractures sometimes occur following road traffic accidents and are treated in conjunction with facio-maxillary surgeons.

The eyelids

Side view of the eye in the orbital cavity, the red line has been placed to show the part of the eye which is exposed

The eyelids protect the exposed part of the eyeball and also wet the surface of the eye. The eyelids consist of muscles which are innervated by major nerves that originate in the brain. The lid margins have 3 different type of glands which secrete an oily substance that is an important component of tears and plays a role in preventing tear evaporation. The glands that secrete tears are situated on the upper and outer surface of the orbit. The tears after bathing the surface of the eye are drained by 2 small holes called puncta near the nasal end of the lids and enter the nasal cavity from where they go to the back of the throat.

The Lacrimal system

Side view of the eye in the orbital cavity, the red line has been placed to show the part of the eye which is exposed

The Lacrimal system consists of the glands, the ducts and the lacrimal sac ( a “bag” like structure which holds the tears before releasing it into the nasal cavity). That is the reason any drop used in the eye results in a distaste in the throat and similarly any nasal infection/ allergy/inflammation can affect the eye. This sub specialisation of ophthalmology deals with various conditions of the 3 components namely, lids, orbit and lacrimal system. Inflammatory conditions of the orbit, Inflammations and infections of the lids, tumours of the lids and orbit, congenital and acquired drooping of the lids are the important conditions treated in this speciality.

Many patients need MRI/CT scan of the orbits/brain as a part of the treatment of certain conditions. These patients are treated in conjunction with endocrinologists and neurologists. Persons who are on thyroid gland dysfunction medication, must have a comprehensive eye evaluation at regular intervals. Thyroid eye disease forms an important spectrum of conditions ranging from dry feeling of the eyes to recurrent redness and bulging of the eyes.They are treated with drops while some may need orbital surgery.

Please Note......

"Persons on Thyroid medication must have a comprehensive eye check up at regular intervals
Watering of the eyes could be due to a myriad of reasons"