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Orbital Decompression

Endoscopic orbital decompression is a surgical procedure to relieve symptoms caused by excessive pressure on the eye. This type of problem can occur in patients who have:

  • Experienced trauma to the eye
  • Had a severe eye infection
  • Eye tumors
  • Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid gland. Over time, patients with Graves’ disease can develop excess tissue within the eye socket. This can result in gradual protrusion of the eye, and can cause problems, including irritation, excess tearing, pain, and even vision loss.

When these symptoms cause significant problems, the pressure in the eye socket needs to be relieved, or decompressed. With current surgical techniques, this can be accomplished endoscopically through the nose. Under general anesthesia, sinus surgery is performed to open the sinuses near the eye socket. Next, the bony wall of the eye socket is removed, releasing the pressure in the eye socket. This allows the eye to return to a more normal position, relieving symptoms.

For more information about this topic, we recommend visiting care.american-rhinologic.org.

At the Raleigh Capitol Sinus and Allergy Center, our experienced surgeons will promptly evaluate your condition, often in collaboration with an experienced eye surgeon, and discuss the latest in surgical options with you. For an appointment contact us.