Oculoplastic surgery - eyelids, orbit and lacrimal system

An oculoplastic surgeon is an ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in surgical and reconstructive procedures of the eyelids, orbit and lacrimal system. While a general ophthalmologist manages most eye diseases, an oculoplastic surgeon has specialist expertise in eyelid anatomy, orbital surgery and periocular aesthetics. At Eye Veda, both Dr. Vishal Nigam and Dr. Somya Ish have oculoplastic subspecialty training.

Ptosis repair is typically a 45 - 90 minute day procedure under local anaesthesia. You are awake but comfortable. Post-operatively, expect bruising and swelling for 1 - 2 weeks - similar to after any eyelid surgery. The sutures dissolve. Most patients return to desk work within a week and see their final result at 6 - 8 weeks when all swelling has resolved.

Both. In many patients - particularly older adults - excess upper eyelid skin (dermatochalasis) droops so significantly that it actually impairs the upper visual field, causing brow strain and fatigue. Upper blepharoplasty removes the excess skin and can genuinely improve functional vision. When performed for functional reasons and documented with a visual field test, it may be covered by insurance.

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) creates a new drainage channel from the lacrimal sac directly into the nasal cavity, bypassing the blocked nasolacrimal duct. It can be done externally (small incision near the nose) or endoscopically (through the nostril - no external scar). The procedure takes about 60 - 90 minutes under local anaesthesia with sedation. Most patients experience immediate resolution of watering and sticky discharge.

In most cases, yes. Many orbital tumours - including dermoid cysts, cavernous haemangiomas, lymphomas and lacrimal gland tumours - can be excised or managed while preserving the eye and useful vision. The approach depends entirely on the tumour type, size and location, assessed by MRI. Our oculoplastic surgeons work closely with oncology and neurosurgery colleagues for complex cases.