cosmetic procedures reconstructive procedures non-surgical treatments

Thyroid Orbitopathy

Patients with Thyroid disease (hyperactive more commonly than underactive) frequently develop eye findings consistent with bulging eyes, or a “thyroid stare”. The eye muscles may also be affected causing them not to move effectively resulting in double vision. If the muscles become too congested, or the eye bulges too much, pressure could be placed on the optic nerve putting the patient at risk for blindness.

Much of the discomfort associated with thyroid orbitopathy is usually related to exposure of the cornea which may be treated with various forms of lubrication. When there is active inflammation with more significant symptoms the treatment may involve oral or intra orbital (injected behind the eye by the doctor) steroids. When the eye is bulging and pressure is placed on the optic nerve Dr. Schwarcz can perform an orbital decompression which involves surgically removing a small portion of the bone behind the eye and some of the fat stored behind the eye. Poor eye alignment causing double vision could be corrected by surgically adjusting the position of the eye muscles as they come in contact with the eyeball. The eyelids themselves could be retracted (upper or lower), causing a stare which Dr. Schwarcz could correct surgically to allow better closure of the eyelids and an overall improved cosmetic appearance. Dr. Schwarcz has specialty training in this problem and has performed many surgeries addressing these very problems. Surgery correcting the problems with thyroid orbitopathy could relieve many of the symptoms improving function, comfort and the final cosmetic outcome.