Oculoplastic and orbital surgery (also known as oculofacial surgery, or ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery) is a wide-ranging subspecialty that addresses conditions of the eyelids, eye socket, and tear drainage system.

While surgeons from many specialties can perform surgery of the eyelids and eye socket, oculoplastic surgeons devote their entire practices to treating this small but vital area. Their training in both ophthalmology and reconstructive surgery allows them to protect and restore vision while providing the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Conditions we treat

Eyelids
Our team of experts treats many conditions involving the eyelids, including:
- Blepharoptosis (eyelid drooping)
- Dermatochalasis (excess eyelid skin)
- Brow ptosis (brow drooping)
- Ectropion and entropion (outward and inward lid turning, respectively)
- Trichiasis (inward lash turning)
- Lid retraction (lids pulled away from the eye)
- Facial nerve paralysis, such as eyelid weights, lid recession, tarsorrhaphy
- Eyelid lacerations
- Eyelid tumors, benign and malignant
- Eyelid defects after tumor removal, including Mohs surgery
- Blepharospasm/hemifacial spasm
- Limited cosmetic surgery, such as upper and lower blepharoplasty, endoscopic browlift, and cheek lift
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Eye Socket
Our team of experts treats conditions involving the orbit, or eye socket, including:
- Graves' associated orbitopathy
- Orbital inflammation
- Orbital infection/abscess
- Orbital tumors, benign and malignant
- Orbital fractures
- Orbital deformities, congenital and acquired
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Tear Drainage System
Our team of experts treats conditions involving the lacrimal, or tear drainage, system:
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, congenital
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, acquired, partial
- Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, acquired, complete
- Dacryocystitis (infection of tear sac)
- Canalicular laceration
- Canalicular obstruction
- Canaliculitis (infection of tear drainage duct in eyelid)
- Lacrimal sac/nasolacrimal duct tumors, benign and malignant
Eye Removal
Our team of experts treats conditions that require the removal of the eye, including:
- Blind painful eye
- Malignant intraocular tumors
- Severe infections
In addition, we perform procedures such as secondary implants and socket reconstruction following the removal of the eye.

What is Oculoplastics?

Courtney Kauh, MD, is an oculoplastic surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. She specializes in function and cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery around the eyes. Dr. Kauh provides an understanding of the specialization of Oculoplastic surgery.

Complex Orbital Trauma and Reconstruction of Fractured Eye Sockets

Dr. Raymond Cho explains that a combination of options are available when reconstructing a fractured eye socket, including titanium plates, implants and bone grafts.

Treatment Options for Thyroid Eye or Graves’ Disease at Ohio State

Dr. Raymond Cho explains how ultrasonic bone aspiration—a technology available at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center—can provide orbital decompression with less risk to the surrounding tissue.

Ohio State’s Team Approach to Complex Medical Cases

Dr. Cho explains that it’s not just the physical resources available at Ohio State that make a difference, but the team of experts from a broad range of specialties collaborating to deliver the best possible outcomes for the most complex cases.

Treatment for Droopy Eyelids or Ptosis at Ohio State

Droopy eyelids, or ptosis, can occur when people age, but some individuals are born with the condition or acquire it following trauma or with a neuromuscular disease. Dr. Cho explains the potential complications and expected recovery time of ptosis correcting surgery.

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