Eye Day Unit
An orbital decompression is for patients who typically have thyroid eye disease and prominent eyes.
What is an orbital decompression?
This surgery is the removal of the bony walls of the eye socket and fat. It creates more space for the eye to return back towards its normal position.
Why is the surgery needed?
It is more commonly performed as a rehabilitative surgery for patients who have prominent exposed eyes due to thyroid eye disease.
What happens on the day of the surgery?
You will come to the eye day unit where you will meet your anaesthetist. You will be asleep for the surgery (general anaesthetic) and the surgery typically takes 2½ hours.
After the operation you will stay overnight in hospital and your doctor will see you the following morning before discharge.
How will I look and feel after the surgery?
After the surgery you will feel sore and bruised and it is common to have a headache which should settle with pain relief.
You will have a patch over the operated eye and the surrounding tissue will be swollen. Whilst in hospital we will provide you with pain relief and ice packs to help reduce the swelling.
What are the risks of surgery?
The majority of patients have uneventful surgery however as with any surgery there are risks factors associated. These are as follows:
- Bleeding or infection
- Numbness around the wound
- Double vision may worsen and could require prisms in glasses or even surgery to correct
- There is a low risk of a loss of vision and also a leak of cerebrospinal
Post-operative care
You will be given antibiotic cream to use in your eye and on the wound
Use ice packs to reduce the swelling for the first 3 days and take appropriate pain relief
Do not blow your nose for the first week
Contact us
If you have any problems please contact:
• Eye day unit on 01642 854556
Patient experience
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This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
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T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]