[Anonymous November 19, 1996 at 3:14 am Post count: 93172]

#1058169

Hi, am being told need to have orbital decompression surgery because of
optical neuropathy (optic nerve being crushed by muscles). was told that
it is too late for radiation treatment because it would take too long and
surgery was the only way to save eyesight. Has anyone had similar experiences?

Was it very painful?
How long did it take to get better?
Do they patch your eyes after surgery?
Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
michael

[Anonymous December 21, 1996 at 6:13 am Post count: 93172]

#1167861

Would welcome any info-thanks

[Anonymous May 29, 1997 at 11:55 am Post count: 93172]

#1167862

Has anyone had this surgery? Please tell me anything you can about the procedure and recovery. Thank you very much.

[Anonymous May 29, 1997 at 3:05 pm Post count: 93172]

#1167863

Hi! Linda

I had orbital decompression just about three weeks ago. being diagnosed with Graves Disease in 1982. I have struggled with exopthalmos since that time. After a lot of research and talking with an opthalmologist several times, I decided to go ahead with surgery. his approach was different from most orbital decompression I have been reading about. My concerns were complications after surgery such as double vision, numbness to mouth or face, loss of some ability to taste. So a (ENT) surgeon made a opening in my ethmoid sinus (entering through my nose, which prevented any numbness to my mouth or face.) Then my opthalmologist went to work, he did whats called Anerrior orbital decompression, Lateral orbital decompression,intranasal ethmoidectomy medial wall decompression. Fat and bone were removed around my eye, all to make room for my eye to “fall back”in the socket not down. A small plate was inserted in the top and side of my orbit where the bone was removed. The incision was made in my eyelid crease. Since this surgeon did not remove bone from the floor of the orbit, I did not have double vision and most likely will not need corrective eyelid surgery. This was the first time he took this approach with orbital decompression an I am thrilled with the results. Best of luck to you.

Tom

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