Protruding Eyes
Protruding or bulging eyes is the abnormal protrusion (bulging out) of one or both eyeballs. While prominent eyes may be a family trait – bulging eyes should receive immediate medical attention regardless of the person’s age. In a normal eye there should be no white visible between the top of the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the upper eyelid. If white is visible in this area, it is usually a good indication that the protruding abnormal. Graves Disease has been identified as the most common cause of protruding eyes, and when the condition is resultant from Grave’s Disease, it is referred to as Graves Ophthalmopathy. This is a very complex disease that produces diverse symptoms ranging from mild eye irritation to extreme bulging to blindness. Treatment is aimed at either shrinking the orbital contents or expanding the orbit using corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and surgical intervention. Treatment must be tailored to each patient – and often combined therapy is necessary. Other causes include Cancer and tumors, Glaucoma, injuries, hemorrhage and infections. Early detection and intervention is critical.
Dr. Cole and his staff are well equipped to educate and offer all the support you need to help move you through your specific treatment plan – with excellent results.
BENEFITS OF DR. COLES’S SURGERY FOR PROTRUDING EYES:
- Dr. Cole has performed thousands of eye surgeries & he performs them regularly
- Dr. Cole was named as “One of America’s Top Ten” Oculoplastic Surgeons
- Dr. Cole achieves results that restore function & a natural looking appearance
- Dr. Cole employs surgery to prevent potential nerve damage to the eye(s)
- Dr. Cole educates each patient & then individualizes their treatment plan
- Dr. Cole’s patients have found him to be skilled, sensitive & trustworthy
ABOUT GRAVES DISEASE:
Graves Disease is a type of hyperthyroidism which causes many unwelcome health problems including anxiety, sleep difficulty, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, weight loss and protruding (bulging) eyes, eye irritation and redness. The disease starts off mild and gradually worsens over 2-3 years before it plateaus, but during this time it is continuously producing excess fat tissue behind the eyes. This build up of fat tissue is caused by a specific protein in the thyroid that is attacked by an antibody, which results in protruding or bulging of the eyes. The critical concern is how severe it may become before it plateaus and perhaps improves on its own as it does in some cases – or will it compress the optic nerve creating the need for emergency surgery. Dr. Cole performs the correct surgery based upon individual needs.
SURGERIES FOR PROTRUDING EYES:
ORBITAL DECOMPRESSION SURGERY
This surgery involves Dr. Cole removing a portion of bone between the eye socket and sinuses, allowing more room for the swollen tissues behind the eyes. This decreases the pressure behind the eyes, resumes normal blood drainage, relieves discomfort and allows the eyes to assume a more normal position.
EYE MUSCLE SURGERY
Swelling of the eyes associated with Graves Ophthalmopathy often causes the eye muscles to become “stiff or tight.” This causes misalignment of the eyes resulting in double vision. Dr. Cole performs this surgery to detach the muscle from the eye and reattach it in a new position to correct the misalignment. The goal is to achieve single vision while looking straight ahead and while reading.
EYELID SURGERY
People with Graves Disease usually experience much discomfort because their eyelids open more widely and are more difficult to close completely. Dr. Cole corrects this problem with Eyelid Surgery to reduce irritation and discomfort and to repair eyelids damaged from bulging, injuries, and other problems.
BLEPHAROPLASTY
Blepharoplasty is performed after any eyelid surgery in order to remove excess skin and soft tissue that formed due to previous swelling and bulging. More information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What Are The Most Common Eye Manifestations Associated With Grave’s Disease?
They are diverse and include eyelid lag, soft tissue swelling, proptosis (drooping) corneal damage, diplopia (double vision) and optic nerve neuropathy.
What Are The Goals Of Therapy For Protruding Eyes?
The goals of therapy include pain relief, the protection of vision and cosmetic and functional improvement.
When Is Surgery Required For Protruding Eyes?
Dr. Cole performs specialized surgeries when the patient’s case is severe or disfiguring.
Is It Common For Multiple Surgeries To Be Necessary?
YES. Frequently Dr. Cole will need to perform a cosmetic surgery following a functional repair procedure.
Is There A Specific Order In Which Surgeries Are Performed?
YES. The specific sequence is: orbital decompression, extraocular muscle repair, eyelid repair and lastly blepharoplasty.
What Percentage Of Protruding Eye Cases Are Severe?
Approximately 10% of all cases are determined to be definitely well within the severe range and require surgical intervention.
Will Insurance Cover Surgery For Protruding Eyes Caused By Grave’s Disease?
YES. Your insurance carrier should cover these procedures since they are medically necessary. You will need to contact them before starting treatment.
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BOARD CERTIFICATION
Dr. Cole is a quadruple board certified surgeon which means he has met the rigorous high standards and training requirements of four medical boards. This involved several years more of specialized training and experience in all four areas – in addition to medical school, internships, residencies, fellowship training and vast experience. Board certification does not guarantee a certain outcome, but it does ensure specialized training skill and expertise far beyond the norm.
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