Chapter
4:
Exophthalmos
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Chapter
4: |
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Encephalocele
Exophthalmos
Orbital Reconstruction
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Exophthalmos is an abnormal prominence or
protrusion of the eyeball, most frequently seen in patients with Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism). As with enophthalmos, surgical
correction is frequently necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic
result. The extent of the deformity dictates the surgeon's choice of
treatment options. Although severe exophthalmos may present as a
surgical emergency in which vision is threatened, moderate exophthalmos
can also be distressing to the patient - the wide-eyed stare, lid
retraction, and proptosis are at best unsightly and at worst
psychologically handicapping. By utilizing craniofacial approaches and
techniques, excellent aesthetic results can be safely obtained. Mild to
moderate cases are repaired by removing the floor and lateral wall of
the orbit to allow for tissue decompression (removing compressive
pressure on the eyeball itself), while severe cases necessitate a more
aggressive approach including multi-wall (lateral, medial, and inferior)
orbital osteotomies. This functionally enlarges the bony orbit, allowing
the globe to assume a more normal posterior position.
The Tennessee Craniofacial
Center, part of the Erlanger Health System, is located in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. The Center, led Larry A. Sargent, M.D., specializes in the
evaluation and treatment of patients of all ages with craniofacial deformities.
Location:
975 East Third Street. Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
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