Eye muscle surgery is an in-office surgical procedure that repairs muscle imbalances in the eyes that lead to strabismus, a condition wherein the eyes are crossed inwards or outwards. People with strabismus seem to be looking in different directions. This condition should be treated promptly with eye muscle surgery to avoid lifelong vision problems. Eye muscle surgery realigns the eyes, ensuring they point in the same direction.
What is eye muscle surgery?
Who needs eyelid or eye muscle surgery?
Eyelid and eye muscle changes are common in thyroid eye disease and can lead to dry eye, double vision, or an unacceptable cosmetic appearance. Patients who have stable thyroid eye disease are candidates for these surgeries. Eye muscle repair surgeries, meanwhile, are suitable for patients with inward or outward crossed eyes, i.e., strabismus.
Before and after surgery for double vision.
Before and after eyelid retraction surgery.
Can this be combined with orbital decompression?
In select cases, Dr. Ramesh combines eyelid surgery with orbital decompression. However, Dr. Ramesh feels the most predictable results are found when eyelid or cosmetic surgery is performed after patients have healed completely from the orbital decompression.
How are these surgeries performed?
Eyelid and eye muscle surgeries can be performed under local anesthetic with intravenous sedation. Incisions are typically hidden inside the eyelid or in the natural folds so that there is no visible scar.
During your eye muscle repair surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) covering the white part of your eye. After accessing the underlying eye muscle, the surgeon will shorten or stretch them to restore proper eye alignment. Some patients need surgery in one eye, while others require surgery in both eyes. The procedure should conclude within 90 minutes.
What is recovery like after eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery doesn’t involve extended downtime or recovery periods. You’ll experience post-surgery bruising and swelling for a few days, but they can be controlled with cold compresses and ice packs. You can resume light activities, like walking, after a day to speed up the healing process. The stitches will have to be removed during your follow-up appointment after a week. However, if the surgeon uses non-absorbable stitches, there’s no need to have them removed. Most people can resume all normal activities within 7 to 10 days.
Does insurance cover these surgeries?
Insurance can cover medical eyelid and eye muscle surgery. Certain eyelid surgeries may be considered cosmetic. Please contact our office to see if medical insurance would cover surgery in your case.
Why choose Dr. Ramesh?
Dr. Deepak Ramesh is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon and an active member of the prestigious American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS). He has performed numerous eyelid and eye muscle repair surgeries without major complications. He curates each treatment plan according to your unique goals and concerns to ensure aesthetically pleasing and consistent results. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Ramesh to discuss your eyelid surgery and eye muscle repair options.
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The Center for Eye and Facial Plastic Surgery
35 Clyde Road, #104
Somerset, NJ 08873
Monday – Friday: 8:30a – 4:30p
Livingston Office
22 Old Short Hills Rd Suite 202
Livingston, NJ 07039
Monday: 9:00a – 5:00p
Tuesday: 12:00p – 7:00p
Wednesday – Friday: 9:00a – 5:00p
P: (609) 608-0142
F: (855) 644-0469
